If your goal is to increase the productivity of your constructions, it is essential not to overlook the importance of a organized construction site.

Managers must know how to use these spaces intelligently to ensure a functional and efficient environment. Continue reading and check out 7 tips on the subject!

How to keep the construction site organized and safe

See these tips to keep your construction site organized:

1. Planning

A detailed planning is essential to ensure the efficiency and success of any construction project. 

Using tools and methodologies like Program Evaluation and Review Technique / Critical Path Method (PERT-CPM) can help you. Here’s how:

- List all project activities from start to delivery, such as:

• Mobilization of equipment;

• Earthmoving;

• Foundation;

• Structure;

• Masonry;

• Finishes;

• Electrical and plumbing installations;

• Landscaping.

- Estimate the duration of each activity based on historical data and previous experience: make estimated calculations for each of them and identify the sequence with the longest total duration;

- Identify the critical path and activities that can become bottlenecks: a sequence of activities that determines the total duration of the project. Any delays in these activities will impact the construction as a whole. Implement strategies to mitigate risks and avoid delays.

2. Sectorization of the construction site

Efficient sectorization optimizes workflow, ensures safety and keeps the construction site organized. Here are some tips following NR-18:

• Create specific areas for material storage, separating them by type and use: use elevated platforms and coverings to protect them;

• Define living areas for workers: cafeterias, changing rooms, and restrooms. Ensure these areas are well-located and easily accessible, but, whenever possible, separated from work zones;

• Establish specific areas for the segregation and temporary storage of construction waste: use identified containers for each type of waste (debris, metals, plastics, etc.);

• Use temporary fences: to delimit sectors of the construction site, ensuring that each functional area is clearly defined and separated. This helps to avoid interference between activities and increases safety;

• Use clear signage: use informative signs, safety tape, and markings on the ground to indicate circulation routes, danger areas, and specific work zones. 

3. Material control

- Adopt the Just-In-Time (JIT) methodology to avoid excessive accumulation of materials on site

Schedule for materials to arrive at the construction site only when needed. Develop strong partnerships with reliable suppliers who can ensure timely and high-quality deliveries. 

In addition, maintain constant communication with them to adjust deliveries according to the project's needs.

Prepare a detailed schedule aligned with the project's phases and use tools like PERT-CPM. Also, be prepared to adjust it in response to unforeseen changes in the project, ensuring the continuity of operations.

- Conduct weekly rotating inventories to control the stock of materials and tools

Use barcodes to identify and track materials. Barcode readers allow for quick and accurate reading of items. 

Implement RFID tags that can be read at a distance and in large quantities simultaneously, increasing inventory efficiency.

With accurate and updated data, it is possible to better plan for material replenishments, avoiding both shortages and excess. 

Analyze inventory data to identify consumption patterns and adjust stock levels as needed.

- Also read: How to end the decentralization of information on the construction site

4. Identification of non-value-adding activities

Identify activities that do not add value and that can be eliminated or improved to keep the construction site organized. 

Examples of waste include unnecessary movement of materials, waiting for equipment or resources, and rework. To do this:

• Identify and eliminate unnecessary materials from the site;

• Organize materials efficiently, facilitating access and use;

• Keep the construction site clean and free of debris;

• Establish norms and procedures to maintain organization.

- Also read: Delays in construction: main causes and how to avoid them

5. Construction and demolition waste management (RCD)

Establish a waste management plan that includes the separation, recycling, and proper disposal of waste generated at the construction site.

• Separate materials that can be recycled, such as: metals, wood, cardboard, plastics, and glass. Also identify materials that cannot be recycled and that need to be disposed of safely and environmentally;

• Use clearly marked containers for different types of waste. This facilitates segregation at the point of generation and promotes efficient recycling. Place them in accessible and strategic locations on the construction site to encourage correct waste separation;

• Reuse construction materials in the project itself or in others. This reduces the amount of waste generated and costs associated with new materials;

• Establish partnerships with recycling companies to ensure the proper disposal of recyclable waste. Educate workers about the importance of recycling and how to properly separate waste;

• Maintain detailed records of the quantity and type of waste generated, recycled, and disposed of. This helps to monitor the effectiveness of the waste management plan and identify areas for improvement;

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with the waste management plan and environmental standards.

6. Safety and ergonomics

Promote periodic training in occupational safety (NR-18) and design the layout of the site considering worker ergonomics. Follow these tips:

• Strategic positioning: place materials, tools, and equipment as close as possible to the point of use to reduce manual transportation distances;

• Work zones: organize the site into specific work zones, each with all the necessary resources, to minimize worker movement between different areas;

• Accessible storage: ensure that storage areas are easily accessible and that materials are organized logically and orderly;

• Tools at hand: position tools and equipment at accessible heights, avoiding the need to bend or reach excessively;

• Hand trucks and pallet jacks: use hand trucks, pallet jacks, and other transport equipment to reduce workers' physical effort;

• Cleared paths: keep circulation paths free of obstacles to facilitate the safe and efficient transport of materials.

- Also read: Work safety in construction: how to optimize by 80% through 360° photos

7. Technology and innovation

Use BIM to coordinate and integrate all phases of the project. It allows for accurate simulations, identifies conflicts, and optimizes the logistics of the site. 

- The platform allows comparison between the BIM project and construction execution in 360°

Using Construct IN platform for construction monitoring is a great way to monitor your site’s organization. 

With it, you can capture 360° images organized by date and location and manage the projects remotely, being able to monitor material storage, ongoing activities, among others.

- Also read: 7 steps to implement technology in civil construction

Do like Construtora LK2, which reduced inspection time from 1h30 to 20 minutes with Construct IN

Simplify your construction inspections and centralize project management with Construct IN just like LK2. Our innovative platform allows remote monitoring with 360° images, integration with BIM, and generation of detailed reports, such as the Photographic Report of Works, for example. Optimize your processes and increase your efficiency. Schedule a free demonstration!