Chris Blythe in his new regular CM column: In the course of my work I get to visit many construction sites. What surprises me is the variability of site conditions. It is invariably the case that a scruffy and messy site causes the greater public nuisance. I suspect too that such a site has problems with health and safety and encourages shoddy work.

Some may say that I have no right to pass judgement on how they go about their business. It's a fair comment. But I do have the right to pass judgement when it affects my business.

Raising the profile of the industry, the Institute and its members, needs to be built on the belief that the best spokespeople for the industry are the people themselves. Too often though the slobs - the Homer Simpsons - overshadow the work done by the excellent. One poor site determines the view of the whole industry.

The slobs can overshadow the excellent

CHRIS BLyTHE

So what am I going to do about it? For a start, if I turn up for a visit at a poor site then I just do not go on site. I will write to the MD and tell him or her what his staff are doing in their name. Then I will write to the organiser of the visit and ask them to explain why they thought that such a site was appropriate for a visit.

However, to have any impact, we need to support the Strategic Forum and its Chairman Peter Rogers. I would urge readers, both members and non-members to take positive steps to get sites cleaned up. In addition to helping the public good, you will be helping the industry change its perception.

Source

Construction Manager