By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer
We have been in the construction industry and managing building permits for many years. And what we know for sure is there is no doubt that building codes exist to protect everyone from being injured or killed on the job site, and when they are followed, construction accidents are generally few and far between. In this article, we will look at some of the ways good communication about compliance with building codes can prevent accidents and help build the safest possible job sites you can have. Read on to learn more!
Importance of Communication About Compliance With Building Codes on a Building Site
Communication is one of the most important aspects of any job site. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and has the potential to save lives. The following are five ways good communication about compliance with building codes makes for a safer job site.
- When there is better communication, it means that everyone is aware of what hazards are present at any given time. For example, if a contractor discovers asbestos in an area they are working in, they can communicate this fact to everyone else on the site who may be working nearby. They can also discuss removing this hazard or protecting themselves from exposure.
- Lack of proper communication could lead to confusion during an emergency like a fire. For example, not knowing where the exit is could lead people into a panic running into each other as they try to escape from the building instead of outwards. There might be cases when too many people trying to flee through a small door leads them back inside because they did not know there was another way out.
- Workers can identify safety issues much faster when they can talk openly without fear of punishment. When workers don’t feel comfortable raising concerns or pointing out that a building permit was not pulled, there can be mistakes in building to code, bad work habits can continue unchecked, and injuries will happen even more often.
- A lack of open dialogue could also affect morale as well as productivity. Not having the opportunity to voice thoughts and opinions on anything related to the job site leaves workers feeling disconnected, decreasing their engagement, motivation, and productivity.
- Without open dialogue about compliance with building codes, contractors are less likely to notice accidents before they happen, creating unsafe conditions for everyone on the job site. Open communications help build relationships between contractors, workers, and third-party partners such as clients and vendors. Clear communication is crucial to ensuring success on every project, no matter what industry you are in.
Good communication and building codes go hand in hand. You may say, “But Helen, I did not know or the City did not tell me about this specific area.” However, saying “I didn’t know” will not earn you points with local jurisdiction code enforcement officers and could result in serious fines or other penalties if your construction business does not comply with building codes. If you are too busy to handle your own permitting, though, you can call 1.844.PERMIT.4 for help.
At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our Architect, Contractor, and Project Owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. Simply: 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we will free you up to focus on doing what you love – achieving your customers’ goals and building their dreams.
You can call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4. Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com.
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