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<\/p>\nHello, everyone.<\/p>\n
This is Enta.<\/p>\n
The other day, I went to attend a lecture hosted by the Association of Certified Engineers.<\/p>\n
I still didn't get it at all, but I did have fun at the get-together lol<\/p>\n
But that's beside the point.<\/p>\n
In this post, I\u2019ll discuss what to do\u2014and in what order\u2014on days when there are scheduling mistakes on site.<\/p>\n
We were short on materials, the equipment wasn't compatible, and the delivery date was off.<\/p>\n
No matter how careful you are, things like this happen on any job site.<\/p>\n
We mess up a lot too, lol.<\/p>\n
The key is how you respond after the event\u2014that determines whether the day\u2019s losses will be limited to half a day or extend over the course of a week.<\/p>\n
For young supervisors and those who have just become foremen, I\u2019ll outline the steps I actually follow.<\/p>\n
A long time ago, on a day when the ground anchors were being tensioned, work came to a halt.<\/p>\n
There are six PC steel strands per anchor.<\/p>\n
However, the jack head that arrived on site had only four holes.<\/p>\n
Since I can't fit two in there, I can't even get one in that day lol (That's when it really bugs me lol)<\/p>\n
In situations like this, the first thing to do is \u201cstop.\u201d (Though, in reality, that\u2019s not possible.)<\/p>\n
Trying to rush to finish everything by the end of the day\u2014like dashing out to pick something up\u2014is the most dangerous thing you can do.<\/p>\n
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health classifies the causes of human error into 12 categories, which include \u201cthe instinct to take shortcuts or skip steps\u201d and \u201cpanic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Immediately after a planning error, these two things are particularly likely to occur.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
So, first, I\u2019ll stop the work and clearly tell all the workers, \u201cWe\u2019re not doing this task today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then, I\u2019ll take a look for myself to see what\u2019s missing or what doesn\u2019t fit.<\/p>\n
Taking just one photo makes it so much easier to check things later.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
If we have to halt work on-site, we'll contact the general contractor's supervisor right away.<\/p>\n
The one thing you absolutely must not do here is wait until the evening to submit your report.<\/p>\n
Based on the day's projected progress, the general contractor prepares a report for the client and plans the next day's schedule.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a world of difference between being told in the early afternoon and being told first thing in the morning in terms of the number of options available.<\/p>\n
Here is the order in which you should convey this information over the phone.<\/p>\n
If you're asked about the reason or your excuse, it's enough to simply answer.<\/p>\n
After all, the Standard Contract Terms for Public Works stipulate that the contractor must report to the client regarding the performance of the contract.<\/p>\n
Even under the Standard Subcontracting Contract Terms for Construction Projects\u2014which apply to subcontractors\u2014an extension of the construction period may be requested only when there are reasons beyond the subcontractor\u2019s control, such as inclement weather.<\/p>\n
This does not apply to our company's planning errors.<\/p>\n
In other words, the assumption is that we will make up for any delays on our own.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s important to communicate this honestly and as soon as possible, so the general contractor has time to make adjustments.<\/p>\n
As soon as the report is filed, we begin making arrangements for a replacement.<\/p>\n
As for the issue with the tension, I immediately contacted the manufacturer and had them send me a 6-tube head as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n
Next, provide specific instructions regarding \"when it will arrive.\"<\/p>\n
If we leave it as \u201cas soon as possible,\u201d we won\u2019t be able to let the general contractor or the tradespeople know their next schedule.<\/p>\n
Next, let's think about how to prevent people and machines from playing around that day.<\/p>\n
In this case, saying something like, \u201cHave it delivered to the Seino branch in \u25cb\u25cb tomorrow!\u201d in a slightly annoyed tone is the quickest way to get it done, lol.<\/p>\n
If you can't work under pressure, there are actually quite a few tasks you can get a head start on, such as preparing the head section, repairing the area around the support plate, and making arrangements for drilling the next section.<\/p>\n
Another thing that\u2019s easy to overlook is the impact on other work sites.<\/p>\n
Specialized contractors rotate the same workers and equipment across multiple job sites.<\/p>\n
If there is a one-day delay, there is a possibility that the start of construction at the next site will also be delayed by one day.<\/p>\n
So, on the same day, we\u2019ll notify the general contractor at the next job site and decide whether to reassign personnel or postpone the work by one day.<\/p>\n
Personally, I don't really recommend trying to make up for lost time all at once by working overtime or on your days off.<\/p>\n
Working while tired is precisely what leads to the next mistake or accident.<\/p>\n
If you can rest, make sure to get plenty of rest\u2014that\u2019s the best strategy!<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Once I'm done cleaning up for the day, I'll write a brief note about what happened.<\/p>\n
Even just three lines in the corner of your daily report would be fine.<\/p>\n
What remains to be determined is which materials or equipment were incompatible, and who should have checked them at what point to prevent this from happening.<\/p>\n
This is not a record intended to place blame.<\/p>\n
This is a note to help me avoid making the same mistake twice.<\/p>\n
\"Insufficient communication\" is also listed as one of the causes in the 12 categories of human error mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n
As for my issue with the tension, it\u2019s clearly the manufacturer\u2019s mistake, but I think the manufacturer also had its share of problems, such as failing to check properly and miscommunication.<\/p>\n
So, when sending emails, it might be necessary to include drawings and specifications as well, whenever possible.<\/p>\n
It only takes five minutes to check, but it's important.<\/p>\n
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It's impossible to completely eliminate planning errors.<\/p>\n
But you can start changing how you move right after waking up, even starting today.<\/p>\n
Stop, communicate, find a replacement, check other sites, and keep a record.<\/p>\n
If you have this process firmly in mind, you'll be surprisingly calm even on days when things go wrong.<\/p>\n
It's okay if you new hires are a little overwhelmed at first.<\/p>\n
But the most important thing is to accept the situation and figure out what to do next.<\/p>\n
I think there are often those stupid older bosses who just won't stop harping on your mistakes forever.<\/p>\n
Forever and ever lol<\/p>\n
Well then, just decide on a plan already, lol.<\/p>\n
Mistakes are okay as long as they aren't accidents!<\/p>\n
Sure, there will be some adjustments and apologies, but let's just accept it and move on!<\/p>\n
There's actually a tough old-timer coach I know in Kagoshima whose signature move is \"prostrating himself\" lol<\/p>\n
Let's just go about our work on site with that kind of boldness.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See you later.<\/p>\n