The building industry continues to face both old and new challenges. Additionally, there are new laws and legislation that company owners must be aware of. Here are some of the current building industry's main challenges:
Slow-moving productivity levels
Construction, in contrast to other sectors, has seen little to no productivity growth over the last eight decades. Low productivity on construction projects is caused by a variety of factors. These may be the result of poor planning and scheduling, a lack of coordination and communication among project stakeholders, or idle time spent waiting for materials and supplies to arrive or for previous work to be completed.
In recent years, the labor shortage has hampered productivity, with workers lacking the necessary expertise or experience, or businesses attempting to do more work with fewer employees. Fragmentation in the industry as a result of operating in silos is also a significant factor in the lack of productivity improvement over time.
Design-build and lean construction practices, which necessitate a high degree of coordination and collaboration among key players on a construction project, have been shown to increase efficiency and productivity. Contracting companies may also use technology to boost productivity, such as building information modelling (BIM) and project management software.
Safety
The building industry appears to have a problem with worker safety. For years, construction has ranked first of all sectors in terms of total worker deaths. For years, the number of occupational accidents and illnesses has remained stable. All business owners should prioritize keeping staff safe and shielding them from incidents and injuries.
The most effective way to keep employees safe on the jobsite is to provide them with training. Safety preparation should not be done just once. Throughout a worker's career, ongoing training is needed to stress the value of healthy working practices and to reinforce the lessons learned. There is no such thing as an excessive amount of safety preparation.
When risks are mitigated and safe work practices are strictly and vigilantly followed, accidents are easily avoided. Health begins at the top, and research has shown that businesses with good safety systems are more profitable. By demonstrating an interest in the well-being of its workers, a construction company's image can be enhanced and top talent can be attracted.
Technology Adoption
The building industry as a whole has a reputation for being reluctant to embrace modern technology. Despite their recognition of the many advantages that technology can offer in running their company and managing construction projects, several studies and surveys have shown that business owners continue to underinvest in technology.
Staff are being monitored and kept secure using drones and wearables. VR is being used to train workers in safe environments, and robotics and autonomous machines are helping workers to avoid some of the most dangerous areas on construction sites by alleviating some of the more strenuous tasks they are expected to perform.
Technology is rapidly approaching the point that it will be a key component in all building projects. Companies who integrate emerging technology into their workflows and job sites would have a distinct advantage over those that do not. Companies who fail to recognize the benefits of technology will be unable to compete in this rapidly evolving world.
