We’ve all been there. You pass the same construction project every morning and despite the number of workers remaining steady, progress doesn’t seem to be happening. The workers are just standing around and surely they could work harder, right? When it comes to construction timelines, looks aren’t always what they seem.
The reasons people are standing around can vary drastically. But while it may be easy to assume that they are wasting time or not doing their job, there are actually many safety reasons why construction workers may appear to be standing around. In this blog, we will explore some of the reasons why construction workers may need to take breaks or appear to be idle.
Planning and Coordination
Construction work involves careful planning and coordination, and sometimes workers need to take time to assess the site and plan their next steps. This may involve standing around and discussing the work that needs to be done or waiting for equipment to arrive. It’s important for workers to take the time to plan and coordinate their work to ensure that it is done safely and efficiently.
Equipment Preparation and Maintenance
Construction workers need to use a variety of heavy equipment to complete their work, and this equipment requires careful preparation and maintenance. Before beginning a task, workers may need to prepare their equipment, which can involve checking for any faults or malfunctions. During breaks, workers may also need to carry out routine maintenance on their equipment to ensure that it is safe to use.
Hazardous Materials and Waste Disposal
Construction work can produce hazardous waste materials that need to be safely disposed of, such as chemicals or asbestos. Workers may need to take breaks to ensure that hazardous materials are properly contained and removed from the site. This can involve standing around and waiting for waste disposal trucks or other specialized equipment to arrive.
Safety Checks and Inspections
Safety is a top priority on construction sites, and workers need to take regular breaks to carry out safety checks and inspections. This may involve inspecting scaffolding, checking electrical wiring, or ensuring that protective equipment is properly fitted. Workers may also need to carry out safety drills to ensure that they are prepared for emergency situations or wait until the right time of day to complete a job. For example, if you are passing a blacktop crew on the side of the road, they can be waiting on weather conditions or a truck to come from the plant.
Rest and Hydration
Construction work is physically demanding, and workers need to take regular breaks to rest and stay hydrated. Standing around and drinking water may appear to be unproductive, but it is essential for workers to stay hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. Rest breaks also help workers to prevent fatigue and stay alert while operating heavy machinery or carrying out other hazardous tasks. Since most construction workers don’t receive designated breaks or lunch times, the time they appear to be standing around could be the only time they have to themselves that day.
Construction workers may appear to be standing around, but there are many valid safety reasons for them to take breaks or appear to be idle. Planning and coordination, equipment preparation and maintenance, hazardous waste disposal, safety checks and inspections, and rest and hydration are all essential for ensuring the safety of construction workers and the general public. It’s important for people to understand that construction work is complex and challenging, and that workers may need to take breaks to ensure that the job is done safely and efficiently.
In the end, crews are there to benefit the community through nicer homes or nicer roads. While they may be a disruption in the short term, you will hopefully appreciate the job when it’s all done.