E V1 Many Construction Workers Resist The Use Of Safety Helmets Gogg ✓ Solved

E V 1. Many Construction workers resist the use of safety helmets, goggles, and protective mittens and clothing despite the fact that they are designed to protect them. Give reasons with examples why this practice persists. I don't think that it is the fault of the construction workers all of the time PPE is not worn. If a construction company does not have a culture of safety, it's pretty likely that safety practices, like wearing PPE, is not enforced on the jobsite.

If supervisors do not enforce this behavior, it might become normal not to wear protective equipment. It can also be the attitude of the construction workers that they do not wear PPE. If a worker has not experienced an injury, it's possible that they think they do not need PPE. It can also be difficult for workers to do their job with certain PPE because of poor design or a lack of maintenance/repair. 2.

Discuss ways to reduce change orders: Due diligence in the part of the AE is the best way to reduce change orders. When creating the plans and specifications, the AE needs to make sure they are correct, or there is the possibility of a change order. Having the job include a construction professional be involved in the design process definitely helps in these cases to help catch possible issues with the plans. If the plans are already released for bid and a subcontractor or general contractor is looking over the plans and see something that doesn't look right during the bidding process, it's important to let the AE know as soon as possible. 3.

You are the flooring subcontractor and are confused: It’s unclear what floor covering goes in the front hall. What is the most important step that you will take in this situation? If the plans are unclear as to which floor covering goes in the front hall, the most important step is to contact the AE for clarification. If the flooring contractor guesses incorrectly of the type of flooring goes in the front hall, it will lead to all kinds of disputes. The AE will demand the flooring contractor redo the work with no additional cost and the contractor will demand payment because the plans were not clear.

Simply asking the AE for clarification in terms of an email or RFI will be a lot less painful in the end. Respond C D 1. Many Construction workers resist the use of safety helmets, goggles, and protective mittens and clothing despite the fact that they are designed to protect them. Give reasons with examples why this practice persists. This is a great question.

I have seen in my day to day operations the resistance to safety gear. Above all else, safety gear is put into place to protect the life of the construction worker. Safety gear is also put into place to help the company. Throughout the years, there have been many instances where safety lawsuits have come in to hurt companies. These lawsuits arise from workers or workers families who have been wrongfully hurt in the field.

I have seen jobsite injuries in my career. One instance, a young man who was 18 year old was trying to clean out dirt that was caked up in a excavator pin hole. He stuck his finger in the pin hole to try and change the accessory and the operator moved the hydraulic and tore hinge finger from it. The worker was wearing gloves, however if he wasn’t, then he would have actually lost his finger. 2.

Discuss ways to reduce change orders: There are several ways to reduce change orders. The first is to have a defined scope of work and a full set of drawings. In my career, I have seen change orders arise because of scope that was not clearly defined on specs or drawings. Often times, general contractors will use the phrase "industry standard" to clean up any potential change orders. However, "Industry standard" isn’t well defined.

I believe that if the owners paid for more quality architects and engineers to produce more accurate drawings and specs, the issue of change orders would be dramatically reduced. 3. You are the flooring subcontractor and are confused: It’s unclear what floor covering goes in the front hall. What is the most important step that you will take in this situation? The most important step is to first identify all my specifications.

I need to determine if it is written out anywhere in the specs. Additionally a good general contractor and a good flooring subcontractor should have submitted submittals detailing exactly what type of flooring should be installed. If the scope of work is still not defined, I would write a RFI to the general contractor for more information. It is crucial to follow the correct chain of commands. Respond N K 1.

Many construction workers resist the use of safety helmets, goggles, and protective mittens and clothing despite the fact that they are designed to protect them. Give reasons with examples why this practice persists. One of the main reasons is because of discomfort, many times workers think more about work comfortably than their own safety, even though it is a requirement on the job site, when the supervisor is not around, some workers take off their equipment. Another very common reason is due to lack of information. There are workers who have been doing the same activity for many years without adequate protection, for which they believe that they do not need any protection.

Other times due to the lack of availability of protective equipment. 2. Discuss ways to reduce changes orders. I believe that the best way to reduce the number of change orders is to do design coordination between all disciplines before starting construction. During the pre-construction process, meetings should be held to clarify any doubts about the scope of work and to explain to the whole team what the goals are.

In addition to this, the designs must be complete and with sufficient details. Good coordination and collaboration between all disciplines is very important, this greatly reduces the number of changes in a project. 3. You are the flooring subcontractor and are confused: Its unclear what floor covering goes in the front hall. What is the most important step that you will take in this situation?

Before starting to do the installation, the contractor must verify the construction documents to ensure the specified material, if there is no clarity or there are inconsistencies in the plans and specifications, the contractor must contact the designer to clarify any questions or submit an RFI. After receiving the necessary information, the contractor can proceed with the installation. Respond E R 1. Many construction workers resist the use of safety helmets, goggles, and protective mittens and clothing despite the fact that they are designed to protect them. Give reasons with examples why this practice persists.

These practices are extremely important to follow and encourage others to do the same. By not using a hard hat if the building is a two story and you have workers working above you with materials being transferred from the ground level to the second floor you can have a item fall and land on the workers head. The hard hat can protect your head from any object that has been dropped. Another example is that using gloves can help from scrapes, cuts, burns. A worker can be hammering nails by using gloves the work protects his hands from hitting his hand or fingers with the hammer.

Safety glasses protect the eyes, a worker can be drilling, or hammering an object, a loose practical or something can come loose and pop out straight to the workers eyes, and the glasses will protect the workers eyes from any damage. PPE is a used for the protection of an employee, it’s not until the employee take of their PPE is when an accident happens. 2. Discuss ways to reduce changes orders. A way to reduce change orders is to make sure that the material being requested is available during construction phase.

Making sure plans and specifications are as correct as they can be not missing vital information. If the contract is awarded then the sub-contractors will usually submit any change orders for missing or additional work. The less changes in design or scope after contract time then there will be less change orders. The more changes the more change orders there will be. 3.

You are the flooring subcontractor and are confused: It’s unclear what floor covering goes in the front hall. What is the most important step that you will take in this situation? A RFI must be submitted to the general contracting requesting the clarification of the situation. Once the clarification comes back there might be a cost add on to complete the work. There will have to be a cost proposal and change order process.

Respond Answer discussion questions 1. Many construction workers resist the use of safety helmets, goggles, and protective mittens and clothing despite the fact that they are designed to protect them. Give reasons with examples why this practice persists. 2. Discuss ways to reduce changes orders.

3. You are the flooring subcontractor and are confused: It’s unclear what floor covering goes in the front hall. What is the most important step that you will take in this situation?

Paper for above instructions

Addressing the Challenge of PPE Resistance in Construction and Related Concerns

Introduction

The construction industry is fraught with dangers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety helmets, goggles, and protective clothing is essential for safeguarding the well-being of workers. Despite the evident benefits of PPE, many construction workers often resist its use. This reluctance presents a significant challenge not only for worker safety but also for maintaining a culture of safety on job sites. Furthermore, this discussion will explore the fundamental reasons behind this resistance, outline strategies for minimizing change orders in construction projects, and deliver clear guidance for flooring subcontractors facing uncertainty in project specifications.

Resistance to PPE Use

##### The Comfort vs. Safety Dilemma
One of the most compelling reasons behind the resistance to PPE among construction workers is discomfort. Often, workers prioritize comfort over safety, leading them to remove or forgo wearing protective equipment when supervisors are absent (Michaels et al., 2019). For example, cumbersome helmets can cause headaches, while gloves may hinder dexterity when performing delicate tasks. The lack of proper design and fitting of PPE can exacerbate this issue, making workers feel that the discomfort outweighs the potential risks involved (Gordon et al., 2020).
##### Safety Culture and Leadership
The existence—or absence—of a safety culture within a construction company plays a critical role in the adherence to PPE protocols. When supervisors fail to enforce wearing PPE consistently, it can cultivate an environment where ignoring safety guidelines becomes the norm (Saurin et al., 2018). For instance, if workers observe their peers and supervisors skirting PPE use without facing repercussions, they may rationalize that they, too, can forgo protective equipment without consequences.
##### Psychological Factors
Another psychological factor contributing to resistance is the perception of invulnerability. Workers who have not experienced injuries may develop a false sense of safety and believe that they are immune to accidents (Cousins et al., 2021). This mentality can lead to the neglect of safety protocols until a significant injury occurs, highlighting the need for awareness and education about the risks.
##### Inadequate Training and Awareness
A lack of training and awareness regarding the importance of PPE can lead to resistance as well. Many workers, especially those new to the field or who have not received comprehensive safety training, may not fully understand the risks involved in their tasks or the protection that PPE offers (Johnson et al., 2017). Thus, effective safety training programs must be implemented to emphasize the significance of PPE and the safe practices associated with it.

Minimizing Change Orders

Change orders in construction projects can lead to increased costs and delays, making it essential to minimize their occurrence.
##### Comprehensive Planning
One primary strategy for reducing change orders is the execution of thorough due diligence during the early stages of project planning. Architects and engineers (AEs) should work closely with construction professionals to ensure all plans and specifications are accurate and comprehensive (Cheng et al., 2020). By integrating input from experienced construction personnel, potential issues can be identified and addressed before the project begins.
##### Clarity in Scope
Additionally, defining the scope of work with utmost clarity is vital in minimizing change orders. Ambiguities in specifications can lead subcontractors to submit change orders for work that is not adequately defined within the existing contract (Ahmed et al., 2019). It is crucial for contractors to conduct pre-bid walk-throughs and ask questions early on, facilitating a complete understanding of project expectations.
##### Improved Communication
Good communication among all project stakeholders is vital. Regular meetings and design coordination sessions can help clarify any uncertainties regarding project scope and specifications (Zou et al., 2021). By ensuring all parties are on the same page, the likelihood of miscommunication and potential changes can be minimized.

Key Steps for Flooring Subcontractors Facing Ambiguity

When confronted with unclear specifications regarding flooring materials, the most prudent step is to seek clarification from the civil project developer.
##### Submission of RFIs
It is crucial to submit a Request for Information (RFI) to the architect or contractor requesting clarification on the exact flooring specifications needed (Fenn et al., 2020). This ensures that any uncertainty is addressed before commencing work, thereby preventing costly disputes and rework that could arise from misinterpreting the plans.
##### Documentation
Taking the time to document all communications and confirmations can save a great deal of trouble later. Once the RFI's clarification is received, the flooring subcontractor should carefully align their plans and actions with the information provided. This proactive approach not only mitigates potential issues but also demonstrates professionalism and responsibility.

Conclusion

The resistance to PPE usage among construction workers is a pressing issue that can lead to dire consequences. By understanding the multifaceted reasons for this resistance—including discomfort, leadership influence, psychological perceptions of invulnerability, and inadequate training—construction companies can adopt targeted measures to cultivate a robust safety culture. Additionally, reducing change orders through effective planning, clarity of scope, and improved communication can significantly enhance project efficiency. For subcontractors grappling with uncertainties in project specifications, submitting an RFI stands as the most prudent strategy. The proactive steps discussed herein not only contribute to a safer work environment but also streamline project execution, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

References

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