How contractors and Site Managers are ditching paperwork on construction sites

There's lots of talk across the construction sector about adopting digital tools and the resulting productivity gains and safety improvements. Like every sector, so much can be digitalized. BIMs, construction project management, safety tools, and data analytics are common options.

For contractors or site managers having a digital skillset is usually considered a low priority. So how do they make the most of digital tools without specialist skills?
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Key capability apps made for contractors and site managers

‍Recent research from Autodesk* noted that 33% of construction companies in Australia use mobile apps – and that a further 39% intend to use them in the future. Taking a mobile-first approach on sites improves productivity and safety.

Apps that roll together key capabilities give greater value to the company, contractors, and site managers. Businesses get a bigger bang for their buck as they solve more problems, while contractors and site managers benefit from using just one app for a host of onsite tasks.

When considering contractors' and site managers' productivity and safety, the app should include:

1. Site sign-in: Automated sign-in apps replace physical sign-in sheets, allowing workers to clock in and out digitally. This reduces errors, streamlines payroll processes, and saves site managers time chasing contractors to sign in. The benefits of this increase massively when the time-on-site data is pulled automatically into project management tools like Procore.
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2. Online inductions: Digital inductions free up site managers from running ad hoc inductions throughout the day, and you have an auditable trail of who has been inducted and when repeat inductions are due.
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3. Digital documents: Traditionally, safety data sheets, SWMS, procedures, and toolbox materials are all kept in folders in the site office. Storing these in app gives immediate access wherever needed and stops essential documents from being lost or damaged. Additionally, it saves Health & Safety managers from updating the physical folders with new documents.
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4. Self-reporting hazards: Construction workers want to work in a safe environment. Apps that incorporate self-reporting of hazards and near misses set themselves apart. Contractors can promptly report any potential risks or hazards they observe wherever they are, leading to faster response times to mitigate issues. This contributes to a proactive safety culture and removes delays associated with traditional reporting methods.
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5. Evacuations: In an emergency, accounting for everyone onsite is needed. When apps link emergency management features to digital sign-ins, evacuations are streamlined and reduce potential harm. Some apps allow wardens to manage real-time roll calls, which is especially useful for sites with multiple entrances or exits.

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Ditching paperwork whilst improving safety processes

Everyone working on construction sites has an opportunity to improve productivity and safety. Rolling out user-friendly apps and software that solves challenges that site managers and contractors face daily should be a consideration. After all digitizing key processes in the construction sector extends beyond office functions.

One of our customers, Marra Construction, has done just that. With their contractors and site managers using the free EVA Check-in app alongside EVA Check-in, they are enjoying productivity and safety improvements.

When Site Managers say they love your software, you know you've made the right choice. EVA Check-in's sign-in and safety tools have freed up about 30 work hours each week across our business whilst improving safety.
Bradley Debnam, Health & Safety Manager, Marra Construction

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Fancy seeing how EVA Check-in could work on your construction site? Start your free 14-day trial today.

*https://adskconstruction.autodesk.com/digital-journey-resources-apac/the-state-of-digital-adoption-in-construction

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