Construction sites are busy and hazardous places, often with a lot of people performing a number of different tasks at once/ This means that regular inspections are needed to make sure that the work in on plan, safe and to the required standards in order to avoid incidents or issues with the build further down the line.
What is a construction site inspection?
A construction site inspection is set of regular checks of the site being worked on to ensure the site complies with the plans and specifications that have been set out. The inspections are designed to check that all regulations are adhered to and that both the construction process and finished product are all of the highest quality, and that safety is maintained through.
In the construction industry, nothing is more important than safety on site, and so regular inspections need to take place in order to ensure that the work is on plan and being conducted in the safest possible way.
This can help to keep the project on track, keeps everyone safe and can provide useful feedback for the client.
Why are construction site inspections important?
Construction site inspections are important for a number of different reasons including:
- Maintaining the quality of the project is maintained
- Keeping team expectations clear throughout the project
- Ensuring the plan remains in order and meets time and budget targets effectively
These inspections are also very important from a safety perspective. With heavy equipment, power tools, trenches, and the need to work at heights, a construction site can be an extremely dangerous place to work if it is not managed properly.
For instance, according to HSE 2023/24 data, 52% of fatal injuries occurred due to Falls from Height.
By inspecting construction site safety on a regular basis, any hazards can be quickly identified and addressed before they lead to accidents. An inspection will also make sure that all building code compliance is being met and that any potential defects or problems are spotted as early as possible.
One big concern that is becoming more and more prevalent is the need to work in a way that is more considerate to the environment. These construction site inspections can help to check that the most sustainable methods are being used, and the materials are as green as they can be. This helps to boost the green credentials of the business and ensures that any environmental regulations are being met.
What to expect during a construction site inspection
A site inspection should involve a review of any plans and specifications before embarking on a walk through with the contractor.
An inspection should be carried out before work commences in order to assess the site and create a plan and further inspections should then take place during the construction work to make sure that the plan is being followed.
Once the work is completed, a final inspection should be carried out to make sure that the site meets all of the required specifications and standards.
Different types of construction site inspection
Construction site inspections should take different forms depending on their purpose and the stage of the project.
Daily site inspections
There should be daily site inspections which are carried out by the project manager to make sure that what was completed the previous day is satisfactory and to make sure that the work for the current day is on schedule.
Health and Safety Inspections
There are also health and safety inspections which should take into account not just the workers on site but also passers by and nearby properties. They should identify any potential hazards and make sure that the contractors are following the occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Building Compliance Inspections
It is important that there are also inspections to make sure that the work being performed is done according to the approved plans and specifications. These inspections should be carried out by the local building department or a professional engineer.
Quality Control Inspections
As a business, you want to make sure that the projects you deliver are completed to the highest standards, which is why quality control inspections are also necessary. This will ensure that the final product meets all the standards set by ISO 9000 and that workers are following all necessary construction requirements and regulations.
Fire Safety Inspections
There should also be fire safety inspections to check that the building complies with the relevant fire code, and this will need to be conducted by the fire service.
Environmental Inspections
Environmental inspections are now also necessary to make sure that the project complies with all local and national regulations. This might mean taking wildlife habitat into consideration, mitigating against spills or erosion, ensuring that the right materials and processes are in place and checking that waste is being properly disposed of. This will need to be conducted by a qualified member of staff or inspectors from relevant agencies.
How to conduct a construction site inspection
A site inspection should begin with a consultation with all relevant workers to confirm a plan and make any arrangements that are necessary before visiting the site and noting down any observations.
The inspection should highlight any weaknesses, hazards or areas of improvement as well as any strengths that have been noticed. The issues that have been identified should then be ranked in order of importance or severity in order to prioritise any action that needs to be taken. This will help you to implement a review system to track improvements before the report is then submitted.
Following this, steps should be taken to address the issues that have been highlighted, and a closing meeting should be held to discuss the findings.
Looking for support with your Construction Site Inspections?
Construction site inspections are very important for everyone as they not only ensure construction safety, but they also ensure that the build remains compliant throughout and that the customer needs are met.
At Watson and Watson Health and Safety Consultants, we understand site inspections a great way to keep a project on track, which can save a lot of stress, money and time. Our site inspection service carries out a range of comprehensive evaluations designed to ensure your site or workplace stays compliant.
