As a construction site manager or crew leader, you have multiple jobs to perform. You have to ensure that the project is done correctly, on budget and on time. Weather delays are not in your control. However, construction employee absences are costly when it comes to getting the job done and this is in your control.

As a construction manager, you are responsible for all of the project details including maintaining the materials inventory. Construction materials tracking must be done correctly to avoid overruns in material costs and job delays. There are several areas where mistakes in materials management can be made; once you understand the problems, you can take effective actions.

Foreman logs or supervisor diaries and foreman log books are guarded more than a little black book. These supervisor logs hold every note you make over the course of a work day. Your recorded employee attendance, material shortages, safety hazards and multiple lists of things that must be done to get the job completed. They can also be used to track checklists from daily huddles. The problem is your notes grow by the day and carrying an encyclopedia around just makes your job harder.

Safely operating equipment in the construction industry is critical. Accidents and injuries cause lost job time, increase insurance costs and can bring fines from OSHA. While all safety areas are important, several issues present the majority of problems. Understanding the major construction safety pitfalls and knowing how to avoid them will help keep your crew safe.

Entering and exiting machinery