FOCUS
Worthwhile change Glyn Coates discusses failures commonly found in the construction industry, indicating what can and needs to be done to keep buildings safe
I
N TODAY’S fast paced world, there seems to be a barrier preventing construction from developing or improvements being adopted at a similar pace to other industries. There has been some headway in terms of technology, methods of construction and legislation but, while this can all have a positive impact on the way we work and how our industry develops, it doesn’t help change the industry’s mindset. Increased demands from clients, competition
and regulatory agencies influence the way we work, which also needs to develop in order to stay relevant. But does this mean that today’s contractor must be a business person fi rst, and a builder second? Given further pressure on contractors to
deliver bigger, quicker and cheaper builds, it is hardly surprising that standards have slipped at times, resulting in catastrophic mistakes that have cost lives. Construction is an essential industry that shoulders much responsibility, so the importance of making fundamental changes to methods of working is immeasurable. Change that is worthwhile will not happen overnight, but it can all start with individuals researching, asking questions and accepting nothing less than high quality.
22 JUNE 2019
www.frmjournal.com Essential choices
It goes without saying that a fi nished building should always be fully compliant, fi t for purpose and a completed project that ultimately serves its intended function. With this level of responsibility, it is essential that projects are designed, specifi ed and constructed by qualified and certified professional tradesmen, which unfortunately is not always the case. Today, it would generally appear that
contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, rather than to companies that have been carefully researched and vetted to ensure that they are appropriately qualifi ed, competent and experienced to undertake the contract – not to mention that they have the fi nancials in place too. Having seen this fi rst hand, I would go as far as to say that it’s an epidemic in the building industry, especially in the UK.
Delivering more
Generally, product specifi cation will stem from the required performance and suitable qualifi cation in relation to BS/EN or ISO testing, but who monitors this? And how can we be sure that we’re buying
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
