When it comes to industries that encounter hazards day to day, construction comes out on top. Research from HSE found that a quarter of the fatal injuries to workers in the UK occurred in the construction industry across 2021/22.

This shows that there’s still work the UK must do to improve safety for construction workers. But even with room for improvement, it makes us wonder where some of the best places in the world are for workers in the industry.

In this article, with some insights from van leasing company, Van Ninja, we look at the best places to work in construction, where some of the worst locations are, and what those countries towards the bottom of the safety pile should be looking to change to improve their placing on the list.

Construction around the world: breaking down the best and the worst

Workwear Guru, who supply construction clothing and apparel for sites and companies, conducted a survey in 2021 that looked at the best places to work in construction. These countries were ranked based on the average salaries available, the cost and quality of living in said country, and the safety of working conditions on these sites.

From the findings of the survey, we can see that the top 10 best places for the industry is dominated by countries located in and west of Europe. Switzerland takes first place, followed by the UK in second, and then Belgium. However, this is the overall score and the country with lowest incident rate for accidents is Poland with just 4% of workforce reporting injuries while working. Singapore similarly has a low incident rate of 5%, and the UK also has a relatively low rate of accidents at 8%.

On the opposite end of the scale, the list for the 10 worst places to work in construction features locations all over the globe. The worst place in the world for workplace safety is reported to be Myanmar in Asia with an incident rate of 58%.

On-site safety: safety practices that can be implemented

With shocking statistics like over half of construction workers in Myanmar – formerly known as Burma – reporting potentially fatal workplace incidents in construction, it shows that globally more attention can still be paid to improving the on-site safety.

Incidents and accidents often happen due to a lack of awareness and preparation. This is why, before even beginning projects, workers should be adequately trained in safety practices that can be implemented to improving job site safety. These should include sections on awareness of the tools they are working with, the cleanliness of the site, and identifying potential hazards before they occur, as well as sections on communication with other members of the workforce to prevent potential hazards forming.

The training shouldn’t just be down to those who’ll be operating equipment either. Site managers could benefit hugely from extra training focusing on proper supervision, monitoring, and reporting of the sites and any potential incident dangers or those that have occurred. Proper management of documentation and administrative processes around the safety of the workers should be reviewed to make sure they are of an appropriate standard.

Having quality equipment to work with, both in terms of machinery to operate and protective clothing, is crucial to ensuring worker safety. If you’re on a site where a drill is required but the drill bit or body is of poor quality, there is the possibility of the operator of the equipment getting put in harm’s way.

Similarly, there should always be the appropriate equipment for jobs. For example, if you have a lot of heavy goods that need transporting, exploring van leasing options can prove the ideal solution rather than stretching your current equipment thinner.

Industry experts are predicting that construction will continue to grow into the new year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the value for new orders was up 22.8% in only the first quarter of 2022. With more projects for companies to work on, an extra emphasis must be placed on worker safety to avoid any potential incidents that could not only injure your workforce, but subsequently slow down progress.

References:

• https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/fatalinjuries.pdf
• https://workwearguru.com/best-countries-for-construction-workers/
• https://www.designbuild-network.com/comment/uk-construction-expands-challenges/#:~:text=The%20industry’s%20growth%20in%202022,at%20the%20time%20of%20writing.

Every business has a different approach to backing up its data. While some approaches will be better than others, entrepreneurs will be doing their best under the circumstances.

However, those leading humble startups have a few more pressures to contend with here. These organisations are in a vulnerable position already, struggling to secure access to funding or compete with multinational conglomerates. Factors like these may limit how well they deal with data security.

Moreover, while some firms can survive a data breach, there’s an increasing likelihood that many startups won’t. Startups can be on the brink of failure just by their very nature. Lost and corrupted data can be the final push over the precipice.

So, what can startups do here? If you’re running a startup and you’re concerned about backing up sensitive data, read on for some tips on how to best do this.

Utilise SaaS Protection

Your startup can greatly reduce the risk of data loss by working with competent professionals elsewhere. After all, a startup can’t be excepted to do everything alone.

Things like Datto SaaS Protection will backup your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data onto a secure, cloud-based platform. It can be accessed anywhere in the world. Despite being market leaders in backup solutions, these providers offer a free 14-day trial of these services, with no credit card details required. Therefore, your startup can get off to a more comfortable and cost-effective start with these high-quality data backup solutions.

Most startups outsource at least some of their processes. It can save money in the long term, a cheaper alternative to hiring departments full of staff that need training, insurance, and competitive salaries. Ensure you’re working with reputable vendors of these services, though, as more dubious entities can exploit smaller businesses and enforce ridiculous fees for additional storage space.

Data corruption and deletion can also be relentless in today’s digitally driven world. If you feel a lot of anxiety around how your startup might fair, it’s perfectly understandable. That said, these worries can be greatly reduced by having dedicated specialists on your side. The peace of mind their presence can bring is worth the investment alone.

Explore Legacy Technology

It’s important to diversify when it comes to data storage and backup. Unexpected measures can be the most effective precisely for that reason.

Given the fast-paced nature of some industries, much of your company’s information can become obsolete relatively quickly. However, the technology used for storing it doesn’t necessarily fade into obscurity. For instance, you can archive static and legacy data on a tape drive. While this equipment is often referred to as ‘legacy technology’ today, it could be perfect for your startup to use.

Tape drives are cheap and easy to procure. They’re also cost-effective to maintain, as they’re an offline solution and don’t require lots of updates and maintenance procedures. If it’s not connected to the system, attackers can’t access them. Tape drives also have enormous storage capacity and remain in use today, which means they can keep your legacy data safe for decades to come.

Furthermore, tape drives are also portable. This means you have the advantage of offsite storage too. Whether your library is at your home or a colleague’s, having multiple locations to store data is always a good idea.

Lean on Automation

Modern data backup solutions have a place too. A layered approach to company security is always best.

Of course, it’s no secret that the age of automation is looming bigger and bolder than ever before. Your startup should utilise this type of tech with data backups. That way, backups of data can be scheduled and reliable, and you don’t depend on any individual worker to see them through. After all, if you designate one employee as a data specialist, what happens when they leave the company, either temporarily or permanently?

Time is a factor here too. Every employee a startup hires has to be immensely valuable to the business. They must be utilised to the utmost potential, and if their time is taken up carrying out manual processes that could otherwise be automated, it can significantly hinder the proactivity, and thus the potential, of your startup.

Build Employee Awareness

Automation can’t do everything. Employee intervention is often needed sooner or later with data backups.

Employees at startups work very hard. However, the working environment can sometimes be more fun, as these companies can be less tainted by the jaded affairs of the corporate world. Everybody knows each other’s names, real friendships can form, and good times can be had. Startups have a lot of heart and soul!

That said, every employee needs to take data backup incredibly seriously. They should be instructed to secure their personal devices and avoid public Wi-Fi for work activities so backups can take place safely. Even if the backup has been automated, they should double-check that the process has succeeded. Collaborating on rules and measures is also a good idea for mutual enforcement, with staff holding one another accountable.

You will be hard pushed to find a construction project that is completed without measured and experienced project management. There are diverse skills required, and there are always plenty of phases and possible moments where it can all go wrong. However, with the right processes and structures, potential hazards can be eliminated or dealt with quickly. But before all that, you need to know what is involved in a construction project from start to finish, so you can plan ahead.

The planning phase

Regardless of the size, a construction project requires plenty of planning and expertise, as well as teamwork. To ensure everything goes as planned, each detail needs to be carefully planned so that no unexpected problems or delays arise. Before the project begins, architects and engineers will spend considerable time drawing up detailed plans and designs for the project. Below are what teams will often be involved in a construction project and what they are responsible for:

Architects – The architects will have the central role of developing a detailed design for the project, usually including drawings of all the rooms on the property and the surrounding landscape. This will vary depending on the aims, locations, and goals of the project, including whether it is commercial or domestic, for example.

Engineer – An engineer will usually prepare the blueprints for the building, noting details of how each primary component should be built and installed. In addition, they can advise on what materials and machinery will be required.

Health, Safety and Environmental Consultant – For any project, a fire risk assessment and a health and safety assessment must be completed. This doesn’t have to be someone on your team internally, as you can outsource it, so the paperwork is limited. Most health and safety consultants will be able to do an assessment of the site and identify any potential hazards. Environmental Consultants help you to determine the ecological impact of your project. Companies like East Coast Ecology offer a review of environmental factors helping you to build more sustainably.

Once these initial plans have been finalized, a planning authority will likely need to approve them before construction can even begin.

Execution

Once the plans have been approved, the construction teams can begin work on the actual building of the property. The idea of this stage will involve several activities at the beginning of the project, including constructing walls and foundations, installing plumbing, roofing by a Cincinnati roofing company and electrical supplies, as well as laying the chosen flooring. In most cases, the buildings will be built using steel frames. This is because they are robust and relatively easy to put together.

To execute the project, the Townsville house builders JMB will often begin work on the walls of the building first, as these will provide the structure for the rest of the building. Walls usually have three courses of bricks, with the top course considerably thicker than others to provide extra support. The division will then be finished with a coat of plaster to give the inside walls a smooth appearance and protect them from the elements.

Foundation: The foundation of the building is the base on which the rest of the structure will be built. Most foundations will consist of a layer of concrete reinforced with steel bards and the best concrete wall forms, providing extra stability and preventing the building from sinking into the ground over time.

Framing: The framing of the structure is one of the most critical stages in the process, as the frame provides structural support for the rest of the building. Once you’ve got this in place, your construction crew can get going on the internal aspects of the building and allow the interior designers to work their magic.

These are the basics of getting started on a construction project, but how can you ensure you can get to this stage without anything going wrong? One aspect we touched on at the start of the article was project management. So here’s how you can get your construction project off the ground without tripping up.

Tips for Project Management in a Construction Setting

If you are a construction project manager, you will want to take note of this. A construction project manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising projects from the beginning to the end. Alongside the teams mentioned above, they’ll be responsible for ensuring the project reaches a successful conclusion.

So before the project even gets off the ground, the project manager will have embarked on the planning phase. They will have worked hard to compile a cost analysis, work out an affordable budget and negotiate cost estimates. They’ll be arranging timetables to ensure no time is wasted and there is no conflict between teams. The research will be conducted to find and choose the most efficient construction methods and strategies. If the client has any questions, the project manager will also be responsible for answering them.

It all sounds a bit much. But the truth is, it is all part of the job. The good news is modern technology has made it easier for Project Managers to manage a construction project. How? We hear you ask!

Construction Project Management Software

 Well, the small matter is the invention of state-of-the-art construction project management software. When sifting through the various technology on offer, you can come across companies like Kahuna, which help construction companies and builders to build smarter. To a project manager, this type of tech is game-changing. The software helps personnel manage construction project costs, documents, and processes from inception through to completion. To the delight of any manager, it also aids in improving efficiency and reducing risk. If you are in the construction industry and are involved in an upcoming project, don’t rule out technology as something which could be of serious help!

Coming to the conclusion of your project

When you are coming to the conclusion of your project, it is essential to reflect on what went successfully so you can use it next time. The complexity of managing costs on a construction project can lead to issues that are damaging for individuals and brands. You can streamline cost change management by using the right people, materials, and software. This provides visibility for builders and clients into what issues need addressing and what hazards might crop up which could stall a project. Not only can the right team and software highlight problems, but it can also provide solutions on both sides of the project.

Consider whom you want on your team before the project starts, and consider the type of experience levels you are looking into when embarking on a project. Then, work with a team to source the best materials for the job at an affordable price and consider if there is any way you can make the project more efficient. The last thing any Project Manager needs is someone bringing them problems rather than solutions.

Construction and software have not always gone hand in hand, but this changed dramatically recently. Between reduced construction time and better performance monitoring, the ultimate project processes are now clear to see. With reduced risks for accidents and mishandling, there is no reason why your construction project cannot be a success.