How To Control Dust On Construction Sites

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Dust control on construction sites is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a sign of a well-managed project. In this blog, I’m going to share a list of practical ideas for controlling dust and explain why it’s so important. If you’re looking for quick, actionable steps to apply on your construction project, keep reading. Dust protection is critical for the health and safety of workers, the public, and the quality of the final product.

Why Dust Control is Important

In many areas, including Phoenix and Maricopa County, strict dust control rules are enforced, and for good reason. There are regulations that limit the amount of dust opacity both inside the site and near the property lines. However, dust control is not only about meeting regulations. It also plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ health (especially in regions with conditions like Valley Fever), improving visibility on site, and ensuring that the product you’re building for your client is not compromised by excessive dust.

Let’s dive into some effective strategies to manage dust on your construction site.

  1. Watering the Soil

Watering the soil is a simple yet effective method for dust control. Keeping the soil moist prevents dust from becoming airborne, especially in areas with high traffic. However, it’s important to consider the type of soil. In some cases, watering too much can turn the soil into mud, which causes other problems. Sandy soils are easier to manage with water trucks, creating a crust on the surface to hold the dust in place.

For a more sustainable approach, consider using water buffalos connected to a water source with a meter and backflow preventer. This can reduce the amount of time your team spends managing the dust, allowing them to focus on the project itself.

  1. Dust Suppressants

Another method is using dust suppressants, which are biodegradable soil stabilization products. These suppressants, often mixed with water and applied with water trucks, form an oily, cohesive layer that prevents dust from escaping. This is particularly useful in laydown yards or parking areas.

Ensure that the dust suppressants you use are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Follow proper instructions to avoid clogging the nozzles in your water trucks.

  1. Containment Measures

Containment measures are essential for keeping dust from spreading beyond the construction site. Barriers or fencing can help keep dust contained, reducing its impact on neighboring properties. While it’s important to prevent dust from disturbing your neighbors, it’s equally vital to ensure the safety of workers on-site by minimizing airborne particles.

  1. Proper Planning

Planning ahead can prevent dust issues before they arise. For example, if you’re working on a large site, avoid clearing and grubbing the entire area at once. Instead, phase the work so that you’re only disturbing the areas where immediate work is needed. This can save you a significant amount of money on dust mitigation measures like watering, soil stabilization, and stormwater pollution prevention.

  1. Vacuums & Clean Sweep

Using vacuums and clean sweep methods is another effective way to control dust. Instead of sweeping and stirring up dust, use vacuums designed to remove silica dust and other harmful particles during tasks like concrete drilling or placement. You can also use “clean sweep,” a sawdust-like material with additives that bind to the dust and keep it from becoming airborne.

  1. Site Stabilization

Proper site stabilization from day one can drastically reduce dust. This involves ensuring that the ground around the project, not just the building pad, is stabilized. You can use base materials, millings, or soil stabilization additives to create clear access roads and work areas. Getting underground utilities and paving in place early also helps keep the site dust-free during construction.

  1. Limiting Vehicle Traffic

Limiting vehicle traffic on the site is another way to reduce dust. Keep unnecessary vehicles off the site, and where possible, limit the movement of delivery trucks, forklifts, and other heavy machinery. The more traffic you have on-site, the more dust you’ll kick up.

  1. Covering Stockpiles

Stockpiles of materials can generate a lot of dust, especially when exposed to high winds. Covering stockpiles with tarps or other materials can significantly reduce the dust generated from these areas.

  1. Educating Workers

Lastly, educating your crew about dust mitigation policies is essential. Ensure that foremen, supervisors, and workers understand the dust control methods you’re using and are aware of how to implement them correctly. This includes knowing where water is available, how to use suppressants, and how to clean up the site without creating more dust. Worker education is key to preventing dust issues and keeping the site safe for everyone.

Conclusion

Dust control on construction sites isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about ensuring the health and safety of workers, protecting the surrounding community, and delivering a high-quality product to your client. By using a combination of watering, suppressants, containment, and planning, you can keep dust under control.

If you incorporate these steps from the planning stages, with the right budget allocated, you’ll have a site that is not only compliant but also efficient and safe.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Is A Soils Report?

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Understanding the Importance of a Soils Report in Construction Projects

What exactly is a soils report? Most of us are familiar with the concept of sales reports, but why are soils reports equally crucial? How are they prepared, and what should you look for? In this blog, we will discuss the importance of soils reports, how they are made, and some tips to ensure they are relevant and effective for your planning process.

Why You Need a Soils Report

One key challenge I see when working with project teams during the early planning stages is the lack of sufficient information from the soils report. Often, project sites, particularly larger ones, don’t have enough boreholes (which are drilled into the ground to investigate soil or rock conditions) to give an accurate representation of the soil at various depths. This lack of data can lead to problems when making decisions about the site’s structural foundations.

What is a Borehole in Construction?

A borehole is a hole drilled into the ground to extract samples of soil or rock for analysis at various depths. Boreholes provide crucial data on subsurface conditions where a new building or project is planned. 

The drilling process involves specialized equipment, such as drill rigs, augers, or coring tools. As the subsurface is exposed, the soil or rock is analyzed for its composition, density, moisture content, strength, permeability, and other essential characteristics.

Strategically placed boreholes provide data that influences decisions about foundation design, slope stability, and groundwater assessments. However, one of the biggest issues is not having enough boreholes drilled throughout the site, leading to incomplete or misleading data.

Why More Boreholes Matter

Imagine this: one borehole on your site indicates sandy soil, while another borehole just a few hundred feet away shows stable soil that doesn’t require any stabilization. How do you plan for foundations in such conditions? 

Without enough boreholes, you may need to account for potential risks, or even request additional boreholes to ensure the soil data is accurate. While getting more boreholes is often difficult, the critical data they provide can significantly influence the design of your structural foundations.

What is a Soils Report?

A soils report is a document prepared by a geotechnical engineer that provides detailed information about the soil conditions at a construction site. This report helps engineers and designers make informed decisions about the structural design of buildings, roads, bridges, and retaining walls. For instance, the report will specify whether you need to over-excavate, how to construct your foundations, and whether scarification or re-compaction of the site is necessary.

Real-World Example: The Impact of Soils on Construction

In Texas, I encountered an issue with expansive clay. The soils report indicated that under the foundations, void form—a waxed cardboard-like material—needed to be placed beneath the footings.

 As the expansive clay underneath expanded, this void form dissolved, preventing the building from being pushed up by the soil. This is just one example of how a soils report can influence the construction process, making it essential to thoroughly read and understand the report.

Key Information in a Soils Report

The soils report will include a site description, field investigation data, laboratory testing results, and a soil classification. Here’s why this is important:

  1. Risk Identification: Knowing the soil composition helps prevent costly surprises. For instance, if you encounter sandy soil that needs to be stabilized with slurry, it could significantly increase the project cost.
  2. Construction Planning: The report will tell you if you need to haul off unsuitable material or bring in fill, both of which affect your construction timelines and budget.
  3. Site Preparation: The report explains what needs to be done to prepare the site for construction, such as scarification, re-compaction, over-excavation, or building retaining walls.
  4. Soil Classification: Under OSHA regulations, soil is classified as Type A, B, or C, with Type C being the least stable. If your site has Type C soil, it requires special planning, such as sloping the sides of trenches to ensure worker safety.

Final Thoughts

A soils report offers essential design recommendations and construction parameters that should never be overlooked. While your structural drawings may not specify how to prepare the soil for foundations, the soils report will fill in those crucial details.

 Reading and understanding every aspect of the soils report, particularly the recommendations and design parameters, can save your project from unexpected delays and budget overruns.

Challenge Yourself: Dig Into Your Soils Report

I challenge you to read your soils report thoroughly. Highlight the key recommendations, and communicate this information to your team. The report offers critical insights that will help you plan more effectively, manage your budget, and keep your project on schedule. The more familiar you become with soils reports, the more valuable they will be in your construction planning process.

Make sure you reference your soils report at every stage of your project. You’ll be surprised by how much it can affect not only your building’s design but also your safety planning and scheduling efforts. By understanding the subsurface conditions, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more cost-effective construction process.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

What Is A Project Director?

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Are you interested in becoming a project director or enhancing your skills as one? What is the main focus of a project director, and how can you excel in this role? In this blog, we’ll delve into the responsibilities of a project director and explore how you can not only succeed but also enjoy the position. Plus, we’ll provide more in-depth insights, so stay tuned!

Understanding the Role of a Project Director

Let’s start by outlining the various roles involved in a project. A superintendent is typically responsible for the day-to-day operations in the field, ensuring long-term and short-term milestones are met. The project manager, on the other hand, curates the entire project, bringing resources together to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Now, where does the project director fit in?

The project director oversees the success of multiple projects from start to finish. They develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and work closely with project managers to ensure that all aspects of the project are progressing smoothly. A project director is the person who ensures that both the customer’s expectations and the company’s goals are met. Their ability to build and lead teams makes them vital to the success of any construction company.

Responsibilities of a Project Director

  1. Project Planning and Strategy
    A project director takes a project from its inception through to its completion, starting with the proposal, interview, and award. They play a critical role in shaping the vision for the project and establishing the parameters for success. Although project managers and superintendents will take over some aspects of the plan, it is the project director who sets the foundation for success.
  2. Stakeholder Management
    While the project manager handles many day-to-day responsibilities, the project director is ultimately responsible for client relationships. They ensure that clients’ needs are met and that the project is progressing according to plan. This includes participating in meetings and solving problems as they arise, ensuring the client remains a “raving fan” of the company.
  3. Team Leadership and Management
    A project director assembles the project team and ensures that it functions efficiently. They play a key role in selecting team members based on their strengths and making sure the team kicks off successfully. Though the day-to-day management is often passed on to the project manager, the project director remains involved in solving major issues and leading the team.
  4. Prime Agreements and Contracts
    The project director plays a crucial role in negotiating contracts with clients and trade partners. This sets the direction for the entire project, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned on expectations, scope, and responsibilities.
  5. Budgeting and Financial Management
    Financial oversight is a key part of a project director’s responsibilities. They regularly review projections, job cost reports, and contingencies to ensure the financial health of the project. This is typically done during monthly status reports and project reviews.
  6. Schedule Management
    The project director monitors the master schedule to ensure the project remains on track and buffers are in place for any potential delays. They receive regular reports on scheduling performance and intervene when necessary to keep the project moving forward.
  7. Quality Assurance and Control
    Project directors maintain quality standards throughout the construction process by conducting spot checks and ensuring that all systems are being followed. They make sure that all quality control measures are in place and adhered to from the beginning to the end of the project.
  8. Risk Management
    A project director constantly monitors risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle. They ensure that the team is aware of potential risks and that there is a plan in place to mitigate them. This requires regular check-ins to assess how risks are being managed and opportunities are being realized.
  9. Safety and Compliance
    Safety is a top priority for project directors. They set the tone by making safety a focus during site visits and ensuring that all safety protocols are being followed. This includes conducting field walks and addressing any safety concerns immediately.
  10. Project Closeout and Handover
    Once a project is complete, the project director oversees the handover to the client, ensuring that any training, warranty periods, or change orders are clearly communicated. The goal is to ensure the client receives a remarkable experience.

Quick Tips for Becoming a Better Project Director

  1. Limit Your Projects
    Avoid managing too many projects at once. The ideal number is between three and nine, depending on the size of the projects. This allows you to give each one the attention it deserves.
  2. Train Your Team
    A great project director builds a team that is well-trained and capable of handling challenges. Invest in your team’s development through consistent training.
  3. Establish Standard Systems
    Set up standard systems across all projects, especially in pre-construction, to ensure consistency and efficiency.

By following these tips and fully understanding the role of a project director, you’ll be well on your way to not only managing projects but excelling in this crucial role. Being a project director is about more than just overseeing a project—it’s about building relationships, ensuring quality, and driving the success of your team and company.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

What Are Constraints in Construction?

Read 8 min

Understanding Construction Constraints: What You Need to Know

In this blog, I’ll Walk you through the key differences between constraints and roadblocks in construction, explain why these concepts are critical to lean thinking, and break down the types of constraints you’ll likely encounter on a project. If you’re looking to take your project management skills to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in.

Roadblocks vs. Constraints

First, let’s clarify the difference between roadblocks and constraints:

  • Roadblocks are external obstacles that block progress.
  • Constraints, on the other hand, are internal—how you’ve sequenced your trades and organized your work zones.

Think of your project like a train moving through stations (zones). If something is ahead of the train and stops it, that’s a roadblock. But if the train’s track design—how trades are sequenced or how the zones are set up—is inefficient, then that’s a constraint. Now, let’s look at some common constraints in construction.

Common Construction Constraints

  1. Lack of Preparation

A major constraint arises when trades are not properly prepared. Imagine your production plan as a time-by-location chart. If the first trade wagon in your sequence isn’t ready due to poor planning or preparation (no pull plan, no pre-construction meeting), everything slows down. This lack of preparation will cause delays throughout the project, extending timelines unnecessarily.

  1. Varying Speeds Among Trades

When different trades operate at different speeds, it creates system constraints. Picture a line of trades moving through zones. If the second trade in the sequence is significantly slower than the first, it holds up the entire flow. This constraint limits the pace of your project, as everything moves at the speed of the slowest trade.

  1. Improper Takt Time

Takt time is the rhythm at which tasks are completed. If the takt time is too long, your project will move too slowly, wasting time. If it’s too short, there won’t be enough buffer time to absorb variation and delays, causing the entire project to start lagging behind. Both scenarios create system constraints that slow overall progress.

  1. Incorrect Sequence of Activities

Sometimes, constraints occur because activities aren’t sequenced correctly. Let’s say your project plan skips key steps in the process. When the train (your trades) reaches the site, missing activities will hold everything up, causing delays that impact the entire sequence.

  1. Missing Resources

When your trades lack the necessary resources—be it labor, tools, or equipment—this can become a significant constraint. The missing resource stalls the process, causing all other activities to grind to a halt. Without what’s needed to move forward, your project will come to a standstill.

  1. Lack of Buffers

A lack of buffers—time built into your schedule to handle unforeseen issues—can also become a system constraint. Without these buffers, you may be forced into trade stacking or trade burdening, which leads to a downward productivity spiral. This will ultimately extend your project’s duration.

Advanced Construction Constraints

Here are three additional common constraints to watch out for:

  1. Wrong Number of Zones

The number of zones in your project directly affects how long the project will take. If you have fewer, larger zones, the project will move slower. By increasing the number of smaller zones, you can speed up the process.

  1. Not Planning for Physical Constraints

Physical limitations, like an elevator or hoist, can slow down your trades if not accounted for properly. You should plan around these obstacles to keep the flow of trades uninterrupted.

  1. Misshaped or Too-Large Zones

If a zone is too large or complex, it can cause delays. Trades may flow easily through some areas, but bottleneck in others, causing the entire sequence to fall apart.

Conclusion

Constraints are an integral part of system design in construction. Understanding how to identify and adjust them is crucial for ensuring your trades flow smoothly and your project runs efficiently. Make sure you plan for constraints, adjust as needed, and keep the “train” on the right track.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Services Do Construction Companies Offer?

Read 9 min

What Services Do Construction Companies Offer?

I love this topic because it’s not always clear. In fact, there isn’t just one solid pattern for what services construction companies offer. In this blog, I’m going to take you step by step through some of the key services that general contractors can provide. This will help expand your understanding and ensure that we are leveraging all the capabilities of general contractors. Let’s dive into it!

General Contracting Services
One of the main services your construction company can provide is General Contracting Services. This role involves managing the overall construction process, hiring subcontractors, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. In this arrangement, the general contractor assumes the financial risk for the budget they agreed upon according to the contract.

Design-Build Services
Another fantastic service is Design-Build. I used to have a certification from the Design-Build Institute of America, and it’s something I’m really passionate about. In this model, whether it’s the architect or the builder, all parties are contracted under one entity. In my experience, the general contractor typically controls the process, hiring architects, engineers, and any other third parties required to accomplish the project. This one-entity model allows for a single point of accountability, which can greatly streamline operations.

Pre-Construction Services
Next up, we have Pre-Construction Services. These are crucial, as no builder can move forward without proper planning. This involves developing a clear construction plan, managing permits, zoning, and coordinating all stakeholders before the project breaks ground. In fact, I’ve written extensively on this in my book, The First Planner System. Pre-construction is one of the essential services to expect from any competent construction company.

Construction Management
Construction Management is another key service. This can involve a construction manager (CM) overseeing a general contractor or directly managing the project themselves. They act as the owner’s representative, ensuring everything runs smoothly, whether it’s through multi-prime contracts or managing general contractors. A construction company offering this service brings significant value to any large-scale project.

Renovation and Remodeling Services
Not everything is about new builds. Renovation and Remodeling are major services that require a unique set of skills. It’s one thing to build a project from scratch, but it’s another to remodel or renovate an existing structure. The analogy I love for this is that remodeling is like changing a tire on a car moving at 60 miles per hour. Some construction companies specialize in this, and it’s something to definitely consider if you’re not starting from a greenfield site.

Site Development
Site Development is another important service that construction companies can provide. This includes mobilization, surveying, clearing, and grading the site. In some cases, the construction company will also handle utility work to prepare the land for building. Site development sets the stage for everything that follows, so it’s essential to hire a construction company that excels in this area.

Development, Design, and Engineering Services
Some companies also offer Development, Design, and Engineering Services. When all of this is handled in-house, it can streamline your project by reducing red tape and ensuring smoother communication between different teams. If your project requires high-level design and engineering, finding a construction company that offers these services is invaluable.

Sustainable Design Services
Sustainable Design is becoming increasingly important in construction. While many companies hire consultants for this, some construction firms have in-house expertise in sustainability. A company that prioritizes sustainable design and has the necessary certifications can be a huge asset, especially when environmental considerations are a priority for your project.

Self-Perform Work
This is a big one: Self-Perform Work. Companies that self-perform certain tasks are often more reliable because they are Builders at their core. They tend to have a better grasp of critical project durations, and since they are doing the work themselves, they may have fewer change orders and a deeper commitment to the success of the project. This service shows that the company is truly invested in the building process and not just acting as a middleman.

Facilities Management Services
Finally, some construction companies also offer Facilities Management. This includes handling warranty calls, tracking maintenance tickets, and monitoring the building’s performance over time. A good example is Hensel Phelps, a company that expanded from construction into facilities management. They take care of the entire lifecycle of a building, from initial planning to long-term management, which can be a major benefit to owners.

I hope this blog has broadened your understanding of the services that construction companies can provide. Whether you’re looking for general contracting, design-build, or facilities management, you now have a clearer picture of what to expect.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

How Do You Make An Activity Ready In Construction?

Read 9 min

How to Make Construction Activities Ready: A 17-Step Checklist

Preparing construction activities properly is critical to ensuring smooth operations on any project. When working within systems like the Last Planner System, it’s essential that each trade partner is fully prepared with all the necessary resources to prevent roadblocks. In this blog, I’m breaking down 17 must-have items for making any activity “ready” so you can avoid costly delays.

  1. Conditions of Satisfaction

Every trade partner needs to know what winning looks like for the specific work package. The conditions of satisfaction must be clear and documented, often growing out of a quality preconstruction meeting. Without this clarity, the activity can’t be considered ready.

  1. Support Team

Your trade partner support team – including the Project Manager (PM) or Project Engineer (PE) – needs to have your back. This includes having all the right submittals, finalized RFIs, and installation instructions ready, as well as a support system that can solve problems in real-time on-site.

  1. Primary Planning

Before a trade partner enters a zone, they should have participated in a pull plan, attended a quality preconstruction meeting, and been involved in weekly work planning. The crew must be equipped with the right training, tools, equipment, and information to execute their tasks effectively.

  1. Contingency Planning

If something goes wrong – whether it’s a space issue, missing crew members, or equipment failure – there should be a contingency plan in place. The foreman needs to have a plan B, C, D, and beyond to prevent surprises.

  1. Materials

Materials must be prepped and ready for the crew. This means they’ve been ordered, inspected, and pre-staged by zone, color-coded, and palletized. Proper material preparation is essential for maintaining productivity.

  1. Equipment

Ensuring that the correct equipment is in good repair and ready to go is key to keeping activities on track. Whether it’s standard equipment or specialized machinery, it must be scheduled, maintained, and prepared, including any fuel or other necessary supplies.

  1. Tools

Tools are critical for crew productivity, and losing labor hours due to missing tools costs money. Every crew member needs a full set of tools, and gang boxes should be organized and ready for use.

  1. Toolkits

In addition to individual tools, your team needs kitted toolboxes or carts, organized using lean principles like Paul Akers’ lean foam setup. This ensures that tools are accessible and ready, whether on scissor lifts, boom lifts, or elsewhere.

  1. Information

Do you have all the necessary documentation? This includes submittals, RFIs, plans, specs, and the all-important quality preconstruction checklist. Without this information, the activity can’t proceed.

  1. Permissions

Certain tasks may require specific permits, such as hot work, confined space, or dig permits. Ensuring all permissions are in place for the work zone is essential before the crew begins.

  1. Layout

Primary and secondary control layouts are key to success. Grid lines should be snapped, benchmarks clearly labeled, and any layout the crew needs must be in place before they start work.

  1. Preceding Tasks

If the preceding tasks aren’t completed, the activity isn’t ready. The foreman needs to track the progress of the preceding crew and raise red flags if delays occur, as this could impact the readiness of the upcoming task.

  1. Safety Planning

Safety is non-negotiable. The right PPE, training, and safety equipment must be in place before work starts. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) should be completed, and all safety planning needs to be thoroughly reviewed.

  1. Quality Planning

Before beginning any activity, you need to ensure that the quality checklist is in place. This checklist, along with any visual quality boards, outlines the expectations for how the work will be completed to meet quality standards.

  1. Standard Work

Standardizing work processes is key to consistency. Crew boards, visual standards, and established processes help maintain quality and safety. Document your standard work processes and update them as necessary.

  1. Training

Proper training is essential not just for safety but for installation. This could include mockups, first-run studies, or visits to other job sites. Make sure your crew is fully trained before they begin.

  1. Space

The right space must be available for the activity to be ready. Visualize the space in both 2D and 3D, ensuring there’s enough room for work and staging. If the space isn’t adequate, make a plan to resolve the issue before starting.

Conclusion

These 17 items form the foundation for ensuring that construction activities are truly ready. When you’re planning ahead—whether it’s a week or six weeks into the future—make sure each of these elements is in place. If anything is missing, it could become a roadblock, delaying the project and creating unnecessary problems. Use this checklist to identify and solve potential issues before they arise, ensuring smooth, productive construction activities.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Are The Top 10 Safety Risks In Construction?

Read 7 min

Top 10 Safety Risks in Construction: A Comprehensive Guide

In this blog, we’re diving deep into one of the most important topics in construction: safety risks. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, understanding these risks can save lives and prevent serious injuries. This blog will help raise awareness about key hazards and most importantly, keep you safe on the job.

  1. Suicide in Construction: A Mental Health Crisis

The number one safety risk in construction is not what most would expect: it’s suicide. In fact, for every 1,000 people who die from work-related injuries in the U.S., 5,000 die by suicide. In Canada, the statistics are just as alarming, with 500 people dying by suicide annually. This is a stark reminder that the construction industry is grappling with a mental health crisis.

The root causes? Poorly planned projects, chronic pain from injuries, overtime, opioid addiction, divorce, financial struggles, and the isolation of being away from family. Addressing mental health is essential to reducing these tragic numbers.

  1. Falls

Falls are a leading cause of death in construction. From leading edges, scaffolding, and ladders, improper use or failure to use fall protection equipment can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Many companies are shifting away from ladders, opting for safer alternatives like scissor lifts and platform ladders.

  1. Struck by Objects or Equipment

Getting struck by equipment or objects is a common hazard. Workers need to be vigilant around cranes, forklifts, and vehicles. Falling objects and improper safety gear, such as not wearing hard hats, only increase the risk.

  1. Electrocution

Live wires, faulty equipment, and poor lockout/tagout practices contribute to electrocution injuries. Workers must follow safety protocols to avoid deadly encounters with electricity.

  1. Excavation and Caught Between Hazards

Excavation accidents and being caught between equipment or materials pose a major risk. From trench collapses to getting caught in machinery, these incidents are often fatal and require constant vigilance.

  1. Material Handling

Improper material handling can lead to serious injuries. Whether it’s lifting heavy loads incorrectly or unsafe rigging, workers need proper training to prevent accidents. Forklifts, in particular, can be deadly if operated without proper precautions.

  1. Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Construction often involves exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos, lead, silica dust, and industrial chemicals. Workers must take precautions to protect their skin, lungs, and eyes from harmful exposure.

  1. Noise Exposure

Long-term exposure to loud noises on construction sites can lead to permanent hearing loss. Proper ear protection is essential to prevent this.

  1. Poor Ergonomics

Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and bad posture can cause long-term injuries. Workers should be trained on proper ergonomics to reduce strain on their bodies.

  1. Inadequate Training or Supervision

Lack of proper training or supervision can turn routine tasks into dangerous ones. Ensuring that all workers are adequately trained and supervised is crucial for maintaining a safe site.

Bonus: Weather-Related Hazards

Rain, ice, and lightning create additional dangers on a construction site. Slips, trips, falls, and exposure to extreme weather must be addressed with proper planning and precautions.

Learn More and Stay Safe

These top 10 risks highlight just how dangerous construction can be, but with the right training and awareness, these risks can be mitigated. By staying informed, taking proper precautions, and addressing both physical and mental health hazards, we can create safer work environments for everyone.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Are Multi-Train Takt Plans?

Read 8 min

Understanding Multi-Train Takt Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

In this blog, we’ll dive into the concept of multi-train Takt planning and clarify the difference between single-train and multi-train Takt plans.

What is a Takt Plan?

A Takt plan is a production plan that organizes time by location. You can think of it as a visual representation of your project’s progress over time, with time shown on the top axis and zones (or locations) listed on the left side. These plans typically display a series of colored boxes in a parallelogram shape, representing the movement of a “train” through the zones as Takt time progresses.

The longer a phase in a Takt plan, the slower the train moves through the zones. The taller the phase, the faster the progress. Understanding this is key to managing the flow of work in a construction or production project.

What is a Multi-Train Takt Plan?

Many people assume that Takt planning revolves primarily around Takt time, but in reality, the key factors are the zones and phases. In a multi-train Takt plan, several “trains” or activities move through the same zones but at different speeds or times. It’s important to understand that these trains can operate independently while still adhering to the overall flow of the project.

Think of it like a real-world train system: multiple trains can run on the same tracks, sometimes at the same time or at different times, without causing disruption. The same applies to multi-train Takt plans—each train moves through its designated phases and zones at its own pace, creating a flexible yet coordinated system.

Implementing a Multi-Train Takt Plan

To successfully implement a multi-train Takt plan, here are a few key steps:

  1. Identify the Trains: Rather than having numerous trains scattered across a chaotic schedule, consolidate activities into consistent train lines. Align work packages to these lines.
  2. Magnetize the Activities: If an activity is adjacent to your train line, pull it over to manage the work together. This helps avoid disconnected activities that can disrupt the flow.
  3. Optimize Speed: Make sure the slowest train is moving at its fastest possible speed. Once optimized, calculate your progress based on that slowest train to ensure smooth coordination.
  4. Managing Intersections: Where different trains intersect, ensure the handoffs are seamless and done responsibly to maintain efficiency. Overlap activities where necessary to keep things moving.
  5. Analyze Multi-Train Plans: Lean Takt plans typically include multiple train analyses. In various sectors like civil, industrial, MEP, and commercial projects, multi-train Takt planning is common. It helps optimize overall project flow and ensures more realistic timelines.

Benefits of Multi-Train Takt Planning

When implemented effectively, multi-train Takt plans provide significant benefits:

  • Flexibility in Scheduling: You’re not locked into rigid 5-day Takt times or forced to use weekends as your project drumbeat.
  • Coordination Across Teams: Different trades and teams can move at their own pace while staying coordinated within the larger plan.
  • Resource Optimization: This planning method allows for resource-based Takt plans where different trains are configured to align with available resources.

Real-World Application: Resource-Based Takt Plan

A prime example of the benefits of multi-train Takt planning comes from a project where the team was initially focused on a 5-day Takt time. They were trying to use weekends as their pacing guide and struggling to align trade partners to a single flow. However, once they shifted to a resource-based Takt plan with multiple trains running at their own speeds, everything fell into place. Trade partners could manage their own work while staying aligned with the overall project, reducing delays and improving zone control.

Common Concerns with Multi-Train Takt Plans

One common question that arises is how to handle Takt time when using multiple trains. The answer is simple: each train has its own Takt time. To manage this, you start by optimizing the slowest train’s Takt time and work everything else around that pace. This ensures that no train gets left behind and that the overall project continues to flow smoothly.

Conclusion

Multi-train Takt planning is an advanced method used by teams who truly understand work packaging and project flow. By focusing on zones and phases rather than rigid Takt times, you can build a more flexible and efficient plan that accommodates the natural variability in complex projects.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

Do Construction Jobs Drug Test?

Read 8 min

Do Construction Jobs Drug Test? Here’s What You Need to Know

In this blog, I’ll answer the big question: Do construction jobs drug test? and share insights you need to know about how this affects your career in the construction industry.

Do Construction Jobs Drug Test?

The answer is yes—construction companies do drug test. Depending on your role, the state you’re in, and the company’s policies, the frequency and type of testing may vary. Smaller companies or trade partners might not require drug testing, but generally, I’ve seen very few that don’t.

Even as a general contractor myself, I’ve always been drug tested. This is common in construction, given the safety concerns and potential risks involved in the work.

The War on Drugs: Its Effect on Society and the Industry

I want to talk about something that’s often overlooked: the stigma surrounding drugs in the U.S., primarily due to the War on Drugs. The United States holds 20% of the world’s prison population, largely because of drug-related convictions. While this is a political topic in its own right, it’s crucial to understand how this history affects people trying to enter industries like construction.

Some individuals with a past related to drugs might also have felony records. It’s easy to judge them from the outside, but we need to remember that many of these people are good individuals with histories that don’t define their potential in the workplace. We, in construction, often look down on those with such pasts, but we need to be open to welcoming people with diverse backgrounds, including those who’ve overcome struggles with substance abuse.

A Story of Redemption in Construction

A friend of mine, Josh Young, shared a story about a carpenter who had a past with drugs. After a relapse, Josh supported this worker, encouraging him to seek help and rehab. Thanks to patience and guidance, that individual returned to the job, passed the drug test, and has been a reliable worker for over five years. This story illustrates that sometimes the best workers come from backgrounds that require a little extra understanding.

Company Requirements for Drug Testing

While I’m not advocating for hiring people currently using drugs or working under the influence, I am saying that we should approach the hiring process with compassion. Yes, you will need to pass a drug test to get hired. Be aware of your state’s laws, especially with the increasing legalization of marijuana, but remember, many companies still require employees to be cannabis-free. So, always know the policies before you start.

Why Do Construction Companies Drug Test?

  1. Safety: The primary reason for drug testing is safety. The use of drugs, and even alcohol, can significantly affect judgment, reaction times, and overall safety on-site.
  2. Prevention: Many companies drug test from the outset to avoid potential hazards from intoxication.
  3. Random Testing: Random drug testing is common across construction sites. You may be tested after hire, so staying clean is essential.
  4. Post-Incident Testing: After any work-related incident, no matter how minor, expect a drug test to be part of the process.
  5. Owner Requirements: Some government agencies, state entities, and project owners may require drug testing, even if the construction company itself doesn’t.
  6. Types of Tests: Drug testing could involve hair, saliva, urine, or blood samples, with urine testing being the most common method.

Tips for Navigating Company Policies

Remember, policies vary by company, so be sure to ask about their drug and alcohol regulations when you’re applying for a job. Always be transparent and never attempt to cheat the system. If you sign up to follow a company’s policies, stick to them. It’s important to maintain integrity throughout your career.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering a construction career, know what the requirements are regarding drug use. There are intelligent ways to navigate this conversation during interviews, so be transparent and ask the right questions. This blog post is meant to help you understand the realities of drug testing in construction, and I hope it has been helpful to you.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

On we go

How To Run A Daily Huddle

Read 10 min
Daily huddles are a key part of managing construction teams effectively. But what’s the best way to get them right? How can you make them impactful and ensure success consistently? Let’s dive into the details of running a daily huddle and how you can implement this system smoothly in your project.

Deciding the Purpose of Your Daily Huddles

The first step in running a successful daily huddle is understanding its purpose. Don’t just conduct a huddle because someone told you to; be clear on why you’re gathering the team. Ask yourself: What do I want to communicate? What’s the goal? Establishing a purpose will ensure that the time spent in the huddle is valuable for everyone.

Creating the Right Space for Your Huddles

Once you know the purpose, you need to set up a great environment for the huddle. The success of your huddle often depends on the physical space where it takes place. Consider your visuals, signs, boards, seating, tables, and equipment like microphones if necessary. Whether indoors or outdoors, the layout of your huddle area should foster productivity and collaboration. A well-organized space creates a smoother and more focused meeting.

Using Visuals Effectively

Talking should be minimal in daily huddles; instead, use visuals to communicate. Encourage team members, like trade partners, to actively engage with the visuals, whether they are isometrics of the building, zone maps, or logistics plans. Invest time in preparing your visuals, whether laminated behind Plexiglas or dry erase-friendly, so they can be used interactively. Visuals that allow the team to collaborate on plans and problems will enhance the efficiency of the huddle.

Setting Realistic Expectations

It’s important to note that your daily huddles won’t be perfect right away. Expect them to improve gradually over time. Initially, they may feel unstructured or unproductive, and it may take up to six weeks to reach a level where your meetings are smooth and you’re proud of their effectiveness. Give yourself and your team some time and patience to settle into a routine.

The Lean Builder Approach to Daily Huddles

If you’re following The Lean Builder methodology by Joe Donarumo and Keyan Zandy, you’ll find a structured approach for running daily huddles. This system focuses on a few essential steps:
  1. Set a regular time and place – Consistency is key.
  2. Keep it short and focused – Avoid distractions and stick to the point.
  3. Start with a safety moment – Prioritize safety discussions.
  4. Review the previous day’s performance – Highlight what was achieved and what wasn’t, along with a score for committed activities.
  5. Set clear daily goals – Define goals simply for today and tomorrow.
  6. Identify and address obstacles – Remove roadblocks to ensure smooth workflow.
  7. Coordinate activities and resources – Make sure everyone is on the same page.
  8. Promote collaboration and accountability – Encourage team effort.
  9. Close with a positive note – End on a motivational high.
I highly recommend checking out The Lean Builder if you’re looking to implement the Last Planner System in your projects.

My Personal Approach to Daily Huddles (Jason Schroeder Style)

I’ve adapted the original Last Planner System to suit my personal workflow. Here’s how I run my daily huddles:
  1. Weekly strategic meetings – Early in the week, I meet with my team to review the master schedule, especially focusing on procurement.
  2. Daily huddles in the afternoon – I conduct these to plan the next day’s work. It allows trade partners and foremen to prepare for the next day ahead of time.
  3. Worker huddles in the morning – These short, focused meetings (5-10 minutes) bring workers together to discuss the day’s plan. It ensures everyone is aligned and creates a strong team culture.

What Happens in the Afternoon Foremen Huddle

During the afternoon foremen huddle, I follow this structure:
  • Collect daily reports – Review performance metrics and reports from the current day.
  • Positive moments and shout-outs – Create a culture of praise and recognition.
  • Feedback on improvements – Highlight areas where cleanliness, safety, or production need attention.
  • Gather information on roadblocks – Identify problems early and make plans to address them.
  • Visual problem-solving – Use red markers or magnets to highlight major issues on the site and discuss solutions.

Preparing for the Next Day

At the end of the foreman huddle, each trade partner leaves with a clear assignment. The visuals and plans discussed are shared electronically or printed for the teams to review. The next morning, during the worker huddle, these plans are communicated, which helps foster buy-in, goodwill, and teamwork.

Agenda for Your Daily Huddles

Here’s a quick outline of the daily huddle agenda that I follow:
  • Shout-outs and praise
  • Feedback from the previous day
  • Review of deliveries and inspections
  • Safety focus
  • Permits and weather preparations
  • Training (1-2 minutes)
  • Plan for the day – Discuss anything out of the ordinary or critical for the team to know.
The main purpose of your daily huddle should be to plan the next day, solve real problems, and ensure that everyone is aligned and ready to work as a cohesive team.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!