Gulf Construction Online - RMDK tells how to boost productivity

Manufacturers & Procurement

RMDK tells how to boost productivity

01 September 2019

RMD Kwikform (RMDK) has launched a white paper that offers recommendations on how commercial building projects can drive productivity and improve on-site health and safety.

The white paper was written following a survey conducted with contractors and engineering consultants from around the world which identifies areas where temporary works can have a significant impact on productivity and safety, and highlights where there is a need for education and best practice to be shared more effectively.

Simon Dowd, major projects manager at RMD Kwikform, explains: “Our new white paper has been undertaken with leading contractors and engineering consultants from around the world to really shine a light on this matter, even allowing us to identify regional differences. The findings uncovered have been invaluable, offering real insights that have then led to clear recommendations on how temporary works can help drive productivity and improve safety for commercial building projects.”

On the issue of productivity, the survey found that labour productivity is seen as the greatest opportunity to improve on-site efficiencies, freeing up workers for other key tasks or reducing time spent on tasks such as formwork management.

The white paper discusses the importance of projects adopting effective building methods and formwork systems, with contractors identifying systems that are easy to erect and dismantle as being the number one consideration to help increase productivity levels.

It also raises the need for safer methods of construction to be introduced. “However, rather surprisingly, respondents felt that individual workers needed to take more responsibility for their own health and safety. This was rated higher than contractors themselves improving site conditions,” Dowd said.

He said while personal responsibility is clearly important, an employer’s role in providing a safe working environment should be a top priority. “The white paper outlines the key role that formwork has to play in helping contractors to achieve this, with systems offering integrated safety features providing a real benefit to sites.”

Multi-level safety screens below the deck level are also viewed as a good way to enhance construction safety, while improving productivity and working cycles on facades too. The white paper discusses the benefits these can help deliver and how best to overcome the challenge of debris falling in commercial building environments.

In addition, the report covers recommended building methods and techniques, and the determining factors when appointing groundworks contractors and hiring equipment.

Dowd explained spending on falsework and formwork typically accounts for five to seven per cent of a contractor’s annual revenue – a significant sum. This highlights the importance of properly considering these solutions, and how they can help drive productivity while meeting required health and safety standards.