- Create a comprehensive safety plan that outlines project-specific protocols.
- Identify potential hazards and risks associated with the project to be addressed.
- Develop protocols and procedures to mitigate risks, provide workers with PPE, and train them on properly using equipment.
- Require employees to pass health and safety exams to ensure they are knowledgeable about safety protocols.
- Train employees in various topics, including project management, financial analysis, communication & negotiation skills, etc.
The health and safety of workers and residents are a primary concern for all real estate developers. With the rapid changes in technology, building materials, and construction methods, keeping up with the latest safety regulations can be difficult.
Fortunately, developers can take steps to ensure their projects follow the best worker and resident safety practices.
Create a Safety Plan
The first step in creating a safe environment for workers and residents is to create a comprehensive safety plan that outlines the project’s specific safety protocols. Here are some tips for developing a safety plan for your real estate development project.
Identify Hazards and Risks
The first step in creating a safety plan is to identify any potential hazards or risks associated with the project that could cause harm to people or property. For example, if you are constructing an office building, you may need to consider the danger of falling debris, electrical wiring, or fire hazards. It is important to consider all potential risks when developing your safety plan.
Develop Protocols and Procedures
Once you have identified the potential hazards and risks associated with your project, it’s time to develop protocols and procedures to help mitigate them. This can include providing workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats and steel-toed boots, as well as training them on how to use the equipment safely.
Additionally, your safety protocol should cover topics such as proper lifting techniques, first aid procedures, fall protection protocols, and emergency response plans.
Require Employees to Take Health & Safety Exams
Another way to ensure safety is to require all employees to take health and safety exams. These exams should cover OSHA regulations, hazard communication, chemical handling, and construction site safety.
For instance, in the UK, construction workers must pass a PQP CITB test to work on any construction site. The exam determines a worker’s knowledge of safety protocols and procedures, which is an integral part of any safety plan. This ensures that each worker has the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the job safely.
Train Employees Properly
In the competitive world of real estate development, the foundation of a successful project often lies not only in architectural design and market analysis but also in the capabilities of the employees working on the project. Training employees effectively is a vital element that can make or break the progress of any development, ultimately impacting its profitability and long-term sustainability.
Identifying training needs
Before diving into specific training types and approaches, it is essential to identify the unique training needs of your employees and the organization as a whole. This process begins with a specific skills gap analysis to assess the current competencies and identify improvement areas.
Utilize employee feedback, performance reviews, project outcomes, and a review of industry-specific competencies to get a clear picture of what training is required. By discerning your organization’s training needs, you can prioritize and invest in the most relevant programs and instructional materials, leading to optimal returns in workforce development.
Training employees in the essentials
Core competencies in real estate development typically encompass a wide range of skills, from project management and financial analysis to effective communication and negotiation abilities. Additionally, technological proficiency and an understanding of the ever-evolving legal framework of the industry should not be overlooked.
Design your training programs to cover these vital areas, and consider employing a mix of formal and informal training methods for effective learning outcomes. Some excellent approaches to training include seminars, workshops, on-the-job coaching, online courses, and mentorship programs.
Inspect Regularly
Developers need to conduct regular inspections of their site throughout the development process to identify any potential risks or hazards. For example, if there are exposed wires or damaged pipes onsite, these issues should be addressed immediately before they become an issue for workers or residents.
Inspections should also include assessing any new materials used on-site to comply with local building codes and industry standards.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring worker and resident safety is critical for successful real estate development projects. Ultimately, taking these steps will help protect workers’ health and reduce liability risks associated with unsafe working conditions. With careful planning and proactive measures taken ahead of time, real estate developers can rest assured knowing that they have done everything possible to create a safe work environment for everyone involved in their projects.