Quantity Surveying and Billing can help you save nearly 3 to 5 percent of your project costs through careful planning and management. Figuring out Quantity Surveying (QS) for Industrial projects to effectively manage costs cannot be stressed enough. However, our experts have noticed that industrial clients tend to be very naïve when it comes to construction knowhow. This makes them susceptible to being taken advantage of by contractors and other construction personnel, especially when it comes to material quantities and costs as these are not validated by qualified professionals.

Why do Industrial Projects need Quantity Surveying and Bill Audits

Industrial projects also have very specific material requirements, unlike residential projects. These could be large steel girders, prefabricated components, vessels and tanks that need careful budget planning. Industrial projects are distinct as they need heavy equipment and machinery on site, along with specialized workforce, all of which has to be properly accounted for in the planning and validating in the billing process.

For industrial clients, timely completion of the project is the focus and pertinent aspects of Quantity Surveying are often ignored. So they stress that contractors maintain a good speed of work, not realizing that they are not assessing their budgets effectively. In such cases auditing of the quantities of material assumed great importance. And this can be carried out in the right manner by specialists.

How do Industrial Projects benefit from Audits

Firstly industrial clients need to understand that in a nutshell QS is about effectively managing the costs of a project. CQRA help industrial clients navigate the issues and intricacies that come with Quantity Survey and Auditing the Bills of projects.

Quantity Surveyors and Bill Auditors from CQRA make sure that project costs are estimated accurately based on the requirements and specifications of the infrastructure or industrial project and timely audits are carried out to ensure that the estimated and current costs are in line.

Right cost planning begins from preparing an accurate Bill of Quantities (BOQ), a document that defines the quality and quantities of material, the labor involved and the costs. But these BOQs need verification at various stages of the project in order to effectively manage expenditure, ascertain project budgets and to analyze the causes incase of budget failure.

Ideally, third party Quantity Surveyors and Cost Planning and Management consultants should be roped in at the initial stages of a project right till the it wraps up to ensure that smooth execution trajectory.

However in the Post construction stage Quantity Surveying and Auditing by the CQRA is done under the following headers as per the industrial project needs –

• Quantity Survey Audits – Also called the Bill Audit, this involves the validation of the initial budget of the project whereby the quantum of steel and concrete are rechecked and an estimate arrived at again.

· Budgeted Cost versus Actual Cost Analysis – These figures and analyses are important to know the implications of changes in costs.

· Bill Audit and Material Reconciliation – Material use and wastage analysis is done to know whether wastage is within limits or not, for example wastage limits for cement and steel is 3% waste and raw material is 10%.

· Balance Work Cost Analysis – In case a project has stopped midway, this analysis tells the client the cost of the balance work as per the present day costs.

Why is Quantity Surveying and Cost Planning essential for Industrial Projects?

· Continued Cost Planning and Management help the client and the contractor from potential future financial risks.

· A correctly made BOQ is an essential bridge between the Design phase and Cost Planning.

· Accurate planning helps to control cost in every phase of the project.

· Quantity Surveying helps identify the implications of design changes on the overall budget of the industrial project.

· Bill Verification helps identify the deviation which directly affects the cost of the project.

Industrial Projects have a lot to benefit from CQRA when it comes to Quantity Surveying and Bill Audit services since the clients have limited construction know-how. The time to rope in the experts is now.

DECODING FMEA FOR PREVENTION OF FLAWS IN PROCESS AND PRODUCT

Failure Mode

Managers expect contractors follow explicit directions on working drawings and standard practices to a T. But more often than not, this does not happen and that’s how we have issues in construction. For instance, mortar mix proportions are clearly mentioned by engineers. What happens if the correct processes are not followed and we see variations in the mortar proportions, or the mixer is not being used to make mortar and there is no control of on water or even worse – if the mortar is lying used for over 30 minutes from preparation

These probable issues are potential failure modes and result in failures, if they occur at site. Effect of these potential failures is , inconsistency of the mortar mix that leads to weak masonry bonds – a serious issue in the building construction.

So failure mode is the way the ‘things may go wrong’ and effects analysis is ‘understanding what may happen in such cases. It is an effective planning tool developed by teams of construction experts, who bring their varied experiences in building issues to the table to identify probable causes and their consequences.

CREATING THE FMEA FRAMEWORK

So creating a FMEA Framework requires the team having greater breadth of experience of activities at site. For each failure mode, team determines all the potential root causes using tools classified as cause analysis tools, with the best knowledge and experience of all. After identifying the processes and the failure modes, they are flagged based on the Severity of the issue, the frequency of its Occurrence and ease of Detection (process controls which are existing). Risk priority number, (RPN), is then derived by multiplication of Severity, Occurrence & Detection. Criticality is derived by multiplying severity & occurrence. These numbers provide guidance for ranking potential failures in the order they should be addressed. Team then decides the actions to mitigate the issues. Implementation is monitored regularly and RPN is brought in control.

As a Third Party Agency, CQRA has leveraged its mix of domain experts and their experience to create a detailed FMEA framework that helps clients preempt construction snags that could snowball into major flaws

How the FMEA Grading System Works –

Let’s see some examples.

– If excavation slopes are not compacted well made in stable slope or steps. the probability of the sides collapsing is high leading to a high Severity rating of the failure mode.

– If no vibration or consolidation of concrete is carried out, then without doubt the Occurrence of honeycombing is possible, leading to a high Occurrence rating.

– When it comes to Detection of failure mode, this issue is rated on the system used for identifying problems on site. So honeycombing or a shoddy paint job is visible to the eye but testing the quality of mechanical welding requires specialized tests which must be done at site.

These three scales then lead to the Risk Priority Number (RPN) that the team can use to assess the severity of the issues and actions to be taken.

A Neglected Paint job :- Why is it important to list down potential failures, even innocuous ones like painting of steel railings? An employee lost his life when he climbed on top of a large silo at a facility on coastal South India and leaned on a steel railing that gave away. Neglecting proper and timely painting (which provides protection to steel from corrosive atmosphere) to steel members in a coastal climate led to severe rusting of the railing, a severe failure that lead to serious consequences.

Misplaced Steel Bars :- In a shocking incident in a metro city, a cantilever collapsed leading to the death of workers on site. It was misplaced reinforcement bars that should have been on the upper side of the cantilever that resulted in the collapse when some workers stepped on it. Had the project work been inspected with the FEMA framework, the failure mode would have been checked for detection and thus identified before the fatality.

Such incidents tell us that inspection is of paramount importance in construction and should be made mandatory. With RERA set to make Third Party Audits compulsory for projects, the role of FMEA is going to only get critical in ensuring quality and safety of construction.

BE PROACTIVE IN RISK MITIGATION

The FMEA framework is an effective tool to implement CAPA – Corrective Action, Preventive Action. CQRA’s system hence focuses on identification of problems proactively before the activity and take suitable preventive measures. The framework aids transfer of knowledge where everything is documented and useful to the entire team executing the project.

Most effective when used in the design and planning stage, FMEA can be used the mitigate risks even in the middle of projects. CQRA’s FMEA framework prepared by experienced experts is what your projects need to be on the safe side of the construction business. It will also help for sustainability in industry with controlled COPQ( Cost of Poor Quality).

Pre-Dispatch Inspection for Functionality, Performance and Durability

A manufacturer of steel trusses was ready to ship the prefabricated trusses to the site for the construction of an industrial unit. The construction company had hired a Third Party Agency (TPA) to conduct the Pre-dispatch material Inspection. The team from the TPA, upon close and thorough scrutiny on site found that about 10 percent of work was still pending before the trusses were ready to be erected at site.

We see that inspection of the material at the manufacturing facility while it is being processed, allows control of quality standards. It also prevents waste of money and time due to faulty material delivered on site. Most importantly, the TPA is a neutral and trusted body by both the manufacturer and purchaser that gives unbiased inspection reports for the benefit of a successful project.

On what basis does the TPA inspect the material?

Approved Design – The products are inspected to confirm that they adhere to the design that was provided by the purchaser, in this case, the construction company.

Purchase Order Specification – The understanding between the manufacturer and purchaser is specifically laid down in the work order or the supply order. In the order the purchaser specifies their requirements for the particular product.

Purchaser Standards – In certain products, IS codes many not be clear and purchasers have developed their own codes and standards. These are then followed for the desired quality of the products.

Approved Drawings – Manufacturers are expected to follow the drawings given to them by purchasers and make the product accordingly.

Qualitative Aspect of Inspections

Visual Inspection – This involves observing the material or component by way of whatever is visible to the naked eye by the TPA. This includes issues in texture, colour or even size.

Testing – Checking quality also involves conducting tests at the manufacturing stage of the components. These are done in the presence of the TPA hired by the purchaser and the manufacturer’s representative. If the outcome of the test matches the actual requirement, then the products are considered as ready to be shipped.

Enhancing Pre-Dispatch Quality Control with Early-Stage Mock-Up Inspections

While pre-dispatch inspections at around 80% completion are critical for confirming product quality, introducing an initial mock-up inspection as a first quality checkpoint can offer an additional layer of control. This inspection would occur immediately after the initial completion of the finished product, allowing early identification of any deviations from client specifications. Here’s how adding a mock-up inspection can strengthen the overall process:

Early Identification of Quality Issues: Catching issues early allows manufacturers to make necessary adjustments before full-scale production, reducing the risk of last-minute surprises during the pre-dispatch inspection.

Better Alignment with Client Specifications: A mock-up inspection helps align the product with client requirements from the outset, minimizing deviations and ensuring a smoother, compliant production process.

Reduced Production Wastage and Cost Efficiency: By addressing quality issues at this stage, manufacturers prevent costly rework and material wastage, saving time and resources.

Proposed Framework for Enhanced Quality Control Process

Initial Inspection (Mock-Up Approval): Conducted after the initial finished product, this inspection helps identify any deviations from client specifications, setting a strong foundation for quality.

Process Adjustment: The manufacturer can make improvements based on initial feedback, refining the production process and reducing variability.

Pre-Dispatch Inspection (80% Completion): A thorough inspection near completion confirms compliance and ensures quality before dispatch.

Pre-Dispatch Material Inspection for Industries

Such inspections are required and carried out mostly in industrial projects. Industrial construction entails steel structures and ready to erect components which come under the umbrella of Pre Engineered Buildings (PEB). Hence, majority of the components of a factory building, warehouses or infrastructure projects like metro rails, bridges and flyovers arrive in pre-fabricated sections from the factory itself. Only the foundation is made at the site. So in such a case, inspecting all these components for design, specification and standards compliance assumes a significant role in the overall scheme of things in the project.

When to Hire TPA for Pre-Dispatch Material Inspection?

It is recommended that the purchaser appoints a TPA in the first place to inspect the PEB components to ensure unbiased analysis of the products.

Usually the purchaser would hire the TPA at the design stage of the product, when 80% of the manufacturing is done. In this way they are in a good position to inspect the making and assembly of the components and make changes if required.

For an importer, quality test are especially necessary since the material is being shipped from another country. Defective products would mean a very cumbersome replacement process that would hardly happen within the stipulated time. Taking care of the crucial factors of quality, time and cost are important here.

Advantages

· Pre-Dispatch inspections help mitigate the risk of receiving defective or non-compliant material.

· Enables repairs of large assemblies in the factory itself where the required equipment is available at the factory and not on the site.

· Quality checks at this stage ensure the quality of the final structure.

· Functionality, performance and durability – the whole objective of doing the pre-dispatch inspection is so that all these factors are taken care of.

Challenges

TPA can conduct inspections thoroughly at 80% completion level. However, at times due to improper planning, the purchaser or manufacturers are in a hurry and appoint the TPA when 100% of the work is complete at the factory level. In such cases there are limitations when it comes to inspection of materials used, tests done for the raw material etc. If the steel is getting painted then it is difficult to say what grade has been used for fabrication.

Floors Take the Maximum Brunt 

Flooring is one of the important elements in construction as it is a base for every kind of activity. It is also the one surface that is required to be the toughest when it comes to aesthetics, functionality and maintenance. Hygiene standards are also well connected with the floor. 

Concrete floors, either in homes or industries provide an ultra durable surface that can efficiently take loads, wear and tear and have high quality finishes.  

CONCRETE FLOORING – THE DO’S 

• Right Mix of Concrete – This ensures that you have a strong floor that will not chip or develop other faults. 

• Stick To the Structural Design – Hence the concrete floor must be designed for tensile as well as compressive forces acting on it, especially where there are heavy loads.  Making deviations from design parameters of slabs can have serious implications like affecting the load bearing capacity of the floor. 

• Use Standard, Good Quality Materials – Using high quality materials will give you an end product that is of high quality too. 

• Good Workmanship – Good materials are a waste without superior workmanship. So ensure you have a skilled team building the floor. 

• Proper Concrete Curing – Initial wetting of concrete top surface just when surface starts drying. A properly cured concrete floor gives you durability along with resistant to wear and environmental factors. Skimping on curing time can cause the entire floor to fail. 

• Protection of top surface —Protect ,surface with desired finish , form direct exposure to sunlight and prohibiting movement of anyone, over the top. 

• Groove cutting in time – Arrange groove cutting within 24 to 48 hours after concreting with panel size not more than 4m X 4m. 

• Proper Maintenance – Once the floor is laid and cured, ensuring proper loading, preventing chemical spills and regular cleaning is required.  

CONCRETE FLOORING – THE DON’TS 

• Not Following Structural Design  – This can lead to serious issues like failure of the floor.

• Using Low Grade Of Cement – Using grades other than what is prescribed in the design to save on costs can end up becoming an expensive blunder when one adds demolition and rework costs. 

• Not Using the Right Materials – For example using sub standard, untested cement brands can lead to the corrosion of steel in concrete floors, leading to structural failure. 

• Unskilled Work – Shoddy work results in issues like honeycombing of the concrete floor when the slurry is not mixed well, uneven floors, improper slopes leading to drainage issues etc.  

• Improper Curing – Cracks in the floor, due to improper curing methods or installation are another glaring example of poor work. 

HOW TO OVERCOME THE CONSTRUCTION DEFECT

Cracks – Hairline and small cracks can be filled using patching compounds that are easily available in the market. Larger cracks might need interventions of structural engineers.  

Uneven Flooring – A floor grinder can be used to level high spots on the concrete floor to match with the average floor level. 

Stains– Concrete floors are highly resistant to stains and chemical spills. However in case your floor stains, prompt cleaning or using special cleaners helps solve the issue. 

Discoloration – Improper curing or moisture can cause discoloration of concrete floors but can be addressed by applying a concrete stain. 

Dusting – If you see a powdery layer on top of the concrete floor, this is called dusting. Faults in concrete mix and curing process causes dusting. A concrete sealer can help solve the issue or it serious cases, the floor will have to be redone. 

Delamination – Excessive water in the concrete mix or over mixing can cause the top layer of concrete to separate from the lower ones. This issue too requires rework.

Quality of your Concrete floor must be your priority. Third Party Agencies like CQRA can help monitor the quality of your floor and other construction processes so that you have a superior and snag free product at the end.  

Because when you invest in the overall development of your workforce, be it civil engineers and project managers, technical workers like plumbers, masons, electricians or the general labor force, they too respond positively and in-turn are invested in your project. The result is a positively charged workplace that scores high on the health, environment and safety (HSE) aspects.

Unskilled Workforce – A Major Concern 

• 71 million of India’s workforce is estimated to be employed in the construction sector. 

• But 81% of this workforce is unskilled.  

• Only 19% i.e. 1.3 million of the workforce in the real estate sector are skilled employees. 

• Out of the 71 million, 4.4 million are core skilled employees like engineers, technicians, etc, and 6.9 million are vocationally trained employees. 

Source – Skilled Employment in Construction Sector in India, Report by RICS & Knight Frank Report 2023 

At just 19%, this abysmal number of unskilled workforce that the country has is an alarming statistic. Such a large pool of untrained labor gives rise to other issues at the construction site – they are less motivated in their jobs, not quality conscious, work only for the daily wages and have a lack of safety and environment concerns, all this apart from a complete ignorance of best practices in construction. In such a scenario motivating this workforce that is ultimately employed across various building and infrastructure companies across the country becomes a challenge for their management.  

“When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.“ — Simon Sinek, inspirational speaker.

Due to the ever expanding real estate and infrastructure needs, the demand for skilled employees will continue to rise. Developers, construction companies and contractors will have to find novel ways to connect with the workforce at all levels so that company values resonate with them. 

We at CQRA have are here to help you in your quest to have a motivated and skilled workforce. Here’s how – 

TRAINING  

Ideally skilled manpower generation must begin from the top that is with government initiatives and setting up a large number of vocational skills training institutes. The current efforts are clearly not enough. To tackle this developer groups can come together to develop skill training programs supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.  Investing in workforce training can pay rich dividends when it comes to achieving good workmanship in construction.

It is crucial to educate workers about the value of mockups on a construction site in order to guarantee that exacting standards and minute details are met. Before complex design features are executed on a bigger scale, workers can fully grasp and recreate them using mockups, which are useful visual aids. By building these mockups, employees can see directly how every detail should seem and work, which lowers the possibility of mistakes during real development. In addition to improving the workers’ abilities, this practical method of instruction guarantees that all project components meet the strictest requirements. In the end, employing mockups as a teaching tool promotes a deeper comprehension of the project’s specifications, producing work of a higher caliber.

SKILLS AND SAFETY EDUCATION 

Apart from their jobs, educating them regarding going about their work in a safe manner, following the safety protocols, providing specialized training for specific construction site hazards and ensuring certifications are sure ways of showing your commitment to the workers’ development. Contractors should abstain from a ‘Hire and Fire’ approach towards workers and instead think of they can be involved and invested in the project. 

MONETARY BENEFITS 

Developers and contractors cannot achieve exemplary quality in workmanship just by imparting training and ensuring safe work conditions. Going beyond this, good performance must be incentivized. For workers who are migrants, hailing from all corners of the country in a new place, quality of the construction is least of their concerns. Offering monetary benefits for superior skills is a sure shot way to encourage and cultivate a culture of high quality. 

TWO WAY COMMUNICATION 

Ensuring an open environment at the work place that encourages frank communication between the employees is the first step to ironing out staff issues at the site. Communication translating into positive action and collaboration is what the management must aim for, especially when it comes to fostering a culture of quality and safety. 

RECOGNITION AND REWARDS 

Appreciating good performances by way of rewarding individuals and teams goes a long way in positively enforcing and prioritizing quality work at the construction site. When an employee is feted for their work in a ceremonious manner by their seniors and in front of their co-workers, this motivates them immensely.  

What do we mean by Cost of Poor Quality in construction?

It is the cost incurred when poor quality work in buildings has to be rectified to a satisfactory level. So, it is the financial loss that a contractor or developer has to bear due to construction failure, repair or rework and subpar work. It can range from 15%-40% of the business cost.

Why are we saying that Cost of Poor Quality is very high?

From structural defects that require the structure to be brought to the ground to smaller issues that need rectifying and rework, not paying attention to quality in the first place lead to serious consequences for you if you are a Developer.

What are these issues that add up to the Cost of Poor Quality in construction?

Contaminated and low grade concrete, major cracks in walls and beams, bulging floor tiles, improper slopes on terraces – you must have heard of such construction problems.

Deficiencies in structural design, detailing, construction, material and maintenance, all these are major reasons that affect quality. There have been numerous instances where construction defects have cropped up even before the owners could settle in their new homes.

Loss of Reputation – Serious Fallout of Poor Quality

Construction defects can cost developers their precious clients and investors as they lose faith in the brand. Also, getting new customers interested in a building that has been repaired or rectified is an uphill task. Loss of customer confidence, investors trust and damaged reputation are all the intangible issues the company will have to address. Irate customers even take to social media to put out their negative reviews in public.

As degree of quality control increase, construction cost decreases as maintenance and rework cost, and time decreases.

Source – Paper on Analysis of Quality on Construction and Construction Cost, International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Thus it’s proven that Construction Quality control is the answer to reining in costs arising due to poor quality. But quality adherence generally ranks low on the list of must- dos with construction companies, especially getting quality audited at every stage from Third Party Agencies.

RERA is Taking Quality Seriously

The Real Estate (Regulations and Development) Act 2016, (RERA) has taken this into consideration making it obligatory for Developers to make good the defects that arise within five years, free of cost. Maharashtra RERA is taking construction quality very seriously and has proposed a phase wise inspection of projects, including at the time of finishing before handing over possession to homebuyers, by Third Party Agencies. In April2024, it proposed that Developers should provide an annual self-declaration of quality assurance based on structural design, stability, testing, quality of input material, workmanship, and fire safety measures etc.

Here’s How You Can Stay Away from Cost of Poor Quality

With such proposals that could become mandatory in the near future, it is the time to be proactive about quality control as a Developer. Stringent quality audits by Third Party Agencies like CQRA can help you as a Developer mitigate all risks that come with compromised construction quality.

Rework costs, material wastage, damage to machinery, tools and structure due to poor workmanship, increased overheads, customer compensation and legal costs; all this is what poor quality costs. Add to this the loss of reputation, negative word of mouth among customers, reduced productivity, damaged investor confidence and you get the picture of what the real cost of poor quality is.

With CQRA as your trusted partner on your quality journey, you are assured of handholding at every stage of construction, making sure your team delivers the best in construction quality.

Just consider all these numbers and facts –

• By 2035, India’s urban population will be 43.2% that is 675 million in 2035, behind China’s 1 billion, according to the United Nations – Habitat World Cities Report 2022. Ref- [i]

• In 2023, about a third of the total population in India lived in cities with people moving from rural areas to find work in the cities. Ref-[ii]

• India’s construction industry is the second largest contributor to the GDP after the agricultural sector and employs a work force of nearly 32 million. Ref-[iii]

• In 2023, the construction industry was the sixth-largest foreign direct investment recipient sector and experienced notable growth in 2022-23. Ref-[iv]

• This sector is one of the main causes of urban air pollution apart from having other adverse effects like habitat degradation, debris dumping, water and noise pollution, community displacement and poor working conditions.

In the light of these huge numbers, Indian construction industry is gearing up to make their practices sustainable and understand how best to reach Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. The Delhi Declaration of the G20 Summit held in 2023, had accelerating progress on global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as a priority along with strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth across sectors.

Reference

[i] The Hindu, June 30, 2022

[ii] https://www.statista.com/statistics/271312/urbanization-in-india/

[iii] https://www.cidc.in/articles2.html

[iv] https://www.ceew.in

Why will ESG matter for construction companies?

With climate change and environment protection becoming global concerns, governments are coming up with regulations and policies that will impact the business practices of construction companies. Also it’s high time that this sector faces scrutiny for its environmental impact.

Companies that operate across various geographies will have to adhere to a range of ESG rules and even demonstrate how they are positively impacting local communities and their workforce. Since ESG rules cannot be merely lip service but need planning from the inception stage, companies will have to spend more time at the drawing board, innovating and making sure that sustainability is the soul of the project.

ESG goals resonate with young people who are both a part of the company’s workforce and customers. A company committed sincerely to ESG will benefit with an enhanced brand value and build trust with other stakeholders as well.

ESG sensitivity also means careful planning for risk mitigation and better decision making, leading to improved operational efficiency and resource optimization. With an environment consciousness at the core of your business, it will be easier to access capital by connecting with investors who prioritize companies that focus on ESG goals.

Innovations in materials and processes, carbon footprint tools, digital twins and modeling scenarios to understand impact of ESG measures will all be a regular part of the construction scenario.

What will Developers need to gear up for?

If you thought just a ‘Green Building’ certification for your project was enough, evolving rules will change the building industry, making it more accountable and urging it to make changes at the very elementary level. You as a Developer will even have to demonstrate your efforts in keeping your work force healthy and safe in body and mind, along with the larger community that you impact with your projects and of course, the environment health as well.

Gearing up to address and deliver ESG goals successfully will soon be the need of the hour as the construction industry is one of the worst polluters of fragile environment. However, not every company will have the required expertise to make this shift. We at CQRA have the expert know how to guide you through this exciting and much needed change in business practices.

ESG Audits are not a common practice today, companies do not know much about it and nor are trained personnel available who know about ESG practices. CQRA is a step ahead, anticipating this change and ready as a Third Party Agency to direct your construction business in the right direction.

ESG goals resonate with young people who are both a part of the company’s workforce and customers. A company committed sincerely to ESG will benefit with an enhanced brand value and build trust with other stakeholders as well.

You as a Developer will even have to demonstrate your efforts in keeping your work force healthy and safe in body and mind, along with the larger community that you impact with your projects and of course, the environment health as well.

Get a Quote for ESG Audit

Email : marketing@cqra.acts-int.com | Call on : +91 9112232323

The Story of a Construction Worker

Kamal Sharma has been working on construction sites since 25 years and seen a sea change in the industry. Ask him what this change is exactly, and he says, “Safety of workers is prioritized now by builders and things have gone from heavily manual to mechanized.” A migrant from Bihar, he has spent most of his adult life away from home, worked across the country and now in Maharashtra. His family depends on what he earns and his life is precious to them, though it is always in a precarious situation at the construction site. However, Safety and Health attitudes have evolved in the country, and developers have learnt to value their workers who create these landmarks. Apart from the human element, even the health of the natural eco-system that a building alters when it intrudes into it is a major concern.

Awareness is of no use unless there is implementation on ground. There have always been laws, rules and standards in place but have remained on paper all this while. The credit for changes in the construction world especially worker safety and health, and environment protection goes to the culture of conducting Third Party Audits. Called Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Audits, these have been crucial in making workers like Kamal Sharma feel safe at the site.

Safety from the Word Go

Kamal Sharma is getting ready for another day at the construction site. He dons his fluorescent safety jacket, boots and helmets without which he cannot enter the site. He has been taught to check his gear for wear and tear and use of harnesses while working at heights is a must. Toolbox talks have been scheduled by his project manager today, where the team will be given a short talk about safety precautions and different aspects of a particular tool or process. This happens regularly and now following strict safety measures has become second nature to the workers. Kamal is experienced but he has seen many new workers who are also migrants in a new place, and are in dire need of handholding. While this was not done earlier, now he sees that they are being educated about safety protocols.

Construction companies also provide specialized training for specific construction site hazards identification, encourage open communication between the managers and workers and are also told to report near misses and incidents. Kamal’s company has its HSE policies routinely checked by a Third Party Auditing firm fostering a culture of safety and care on the site.

HSE Audits – Why Are They A Must Have

CQRA HSE Audit experts say from their profound experience that leading by example is the most effective way of demonstrating the commitment towards safety to all levels of the workforce. Just having a safety net around the building is a reactive method, erecting barricades so that no worker falls off is the proactive approach that managers must imbibe. Thus the onus of enforcing safety practices is on the management of the company. HSE Audits are the best way to ensure that your site is safe in every way for every level of your workforce and the environment as well. Lets see what are the other ways in which you will gain if you get HSE Audits done by Third Party Agencies like CQRA, not just by in-house teams.

Apart from the obvious benefits like increased employee productivity and safe work culture, Third Party Audits help companies keep abreast of new labor or environment laws and norms like nets around the site to control air pollution. Audits help avoid project delays and steer clear of possible fines and fees that could arise due to legal or medical issues of staff and also control insurance premium amounts that could be high due to poor safety records.

CQRA HSE Audits – Fact Finding For Improvement

A construction company where CQRA was invited to do an HSE audit was pretty sure they did not really need one as they had hired a renowned contractor. However, CQRA Auditors upon inspection listed about 150 findings which only goes to show that developers must not blindly trust their contractors and go for non-partisan audits.

Most importantly, the objective of Audits is fact finding for improvement and not fault finding as most managers feel. Upon acting on CQRA’s Audit report, the company’s later audits brought up fewer findings, resulting in major improvements on site. Managers might question the need for HSE Audits, thinking all is fine at their site as this company thought. But you get continued improvement, prevention of accidents and an evolution of safety performance. What’s more, the company’s reputation keeps getting better due to their demonstrated commitment to safety among their clients, stakeholders and the public at large.

At CQRA, we deeply value our expertise in HSE and other Third-Party Audits. Our clients often express confidence when they learn that CQRA has conducted the audit, putting their investors and buyers at ease. Your company’s reputation keeps getting better due to demonstrated commitment to safety among your clients, stakeholders and the public with an HSE Audit.

Get a Quote for HSE Audit

Email : marketing@cqra.acts-int.com | Call on : +91 9112232323

If you are a Construction Project Developer, answer this seemingly innocuous question –

Does all work and expenses of a building project end when the construction is completed ?

If your answer is yes, then how do you factor in leaks and cracks, wear and tear, energy costs and maintenance efforts that are a continuous cycle? If you have not thought about these probable issues before you embarked upon the project, it is likely that they will come sooner or later in the picture and and greatly upset your project finances.

So what will help you prepare and steer clear of such situations?

Called the Life Cycle Cost Analysis, this is the science of evaluating the true cost of not just constructing but also operating a building over its entire lifespan.

Story of the Taj Mahal Repairs

Every building is going to have operating issues and costs associated with that, even the magnificent Taj Mahal. An interesting anecdote can be found in an Archaeological Survey of India report that mentions a letter Aurangzeb wrote to his father Emperor Shah Jahan. It was the rainy season and several domes of the Taj Mahal were leaking and underground arches had developed cracks. After the detailing the damages, the Prince goes on to write that the repairs were carried out but only the next rains would tell if they were successful or not. So, even after you build an astounding landmark, its upkeep should be thought of from the start to create a sustainable project.

Taj Mahal Image Source – www.google.com

Modern Day Projects and Blunders

Now consider the various public infrastructure projects that routinely develop cracks and leaks, just after being constructed. Citizens are left dismayed at the waste of public money and the red-faced authorities scurry to get their act together and address the leaks and cracks. All this has a bearing on the economics of the project. Managers only concentrate on getting the facility built and running. Over the years, replacement of facilities is also a cost to be considered. Numerous projects like flyovers and roadways are built and then closed for repair work or demolished due to faulty design and structural issues. Hence project managers need to account for the cost of rework, demolitions and repairs in the lifecycle of a construction.

The ultimate objective of Life Cycle Cost Analysis is to thus save money and get the most value out of the investment in your construction projects. This is how it is done –

Your trusted Third Party Agency, like CQRA, has experts who examine the long term systems or equipment and material costs. This works best when done in the early stages of the project giving the client a clear picture and flexibility to ponder on design choices that will affect costs and performance.

System or Equipment Cost Analysis – Heating, air conditioning, lighting or generators need to be efficient to reduce energy costs over the years. So in their analysis Third Party Construction Inspection Agencies will discuss your needs and suggest appropriate measures. If it is a public administration building, then the systems must be factored in for long term use but if it’s a facility that the builder wishes to sell soon, then the priorities change.

Material Cost Analysis – Oftentimes products that have a good durability have a high initial cost. However, if you are building a hospital or a mall that sees a lot of footfalls, then expensive flooring will prove to be cost effective in the longer run as it has a lower life cycle cost. On the other hand if it’s interior of a restaurant that you might wish to redo often, then you could go for cheaper material and invest on better systems like air conditioning.

Strategize Long Term – A strategically done process, your Third Party Agency will consult with your team and all consultants working on the project like the Architect and MEP Engineers. With data analysis the Agency will advise you on the best options in terms of systems, equipment and materials to use so that you have the right financial plan in place for your project. Thus thinking smartly about your long term costs and optimizing your design is the best thing you can do for a successful project that stands the test of time.

Get a Quote for Our Services

Email : marketing@cqra.acts-int.com | Call on : +91 9112232323

In the rush to meet targets, speed often trumps quality but employees on every construction project should be oriented in such a manner that they always put quality before any other factor, enforce accountability and have best practices and processes chalked out for the team to follow.

Nurturing a work environment that is characterized by communication, trust, common notions of the quality and safety standards is the foundation of positive safety culture in an organization.

Hidden Challenges of Quality Control that construction managers need to pay close attention to are many and if overlooked can seriously compromise the entire project. These are –

Not Making Quality A Priority Earlier In The Project

Achieving top notch quality and maintaining project speed is a huge exercise in meticulous coordination. It’s a great feat by the project team that needs to take all possible aspects into consideration at the planning stage. A balance between all the project facts needs to be maintained – only then can a particular project be handed over in time and with the desired quality standards.

Ineffective Communication Between Teams

Ensuring an open environment at the work place that encourages frank communication between the employees is the first step to ironing out staff issues at the site. Also to practice effective communication, that is communication translating into positive action and collaboration is what the management must aim for, especially when it comes to fostering a culture of quality.

Not Stressing On Continuous Improvement:

Just having quality procedures explained in a one-time exercise to the building team and having procedures written down on paper as quality documentation is not going to result in achieving quality in the construction. Beyond these, it is very important to continuously revisit the quality protocols and ensure implementation at every stage. Thus evaluating the efficacy of these procedures in place, talking to employees for their feedback and staying abreast of the latest in quality protocols in the industry and implementing the best practices is the continuous task of the quality managers.

Not Limiting The Scope Of The Project

Having multiples alterations and revisions in the design of construction projects is a common occurrence owing to various reasons. However, at times this results in the scope of the project increasing way beyond what was planned and the quality processes can be hampered with repetitive changes and increase of the scope.  

Not Using Technology For Processes

Projects today greatly benefit by having all building systems integrated onto a digital platform. These programs are so advanced that every aspect, at any stage of the project can be monitored by a mere click and any information about the project is made available in seconds. This is cost-effective system which can be used by developers or clients to their advantage at any instance of time. Not shifting to digital systems means a compromise in maintaining quality.

Not Solving Vendor And Material Issues

As the project managers go about dealing with vendors and procurement, there may be some delivery constraints, production, manufacturing, and transportation issues related to the materials, labor issues or raw materials as well. All these aspects lead to delay in material procurement and would also impact the quality of the delivered product because all activities are executed with certain assumptions. And when these assumptions fail to stick, then obviously, there is a gap between what is expected and what is on site creating issues which ultimately lead to impacting the quality of particular product.

Brand Value Getting Adversely Affected

Falling short on quality processes over a period of time also ends up in the reputation of the developer or contractors going down in the construction circles, thus negatively affecting their brand image, business prospects and profitability.

Cost Implications

For a project developer, cost of materials and manpower matter the most and decides the worth of the project they have undertaken. Any discrepancies in estimates, processes and shortcomings in vendor or contractor communication can make the costs go away, hampering the smooth sailing of the project.

Not Monitoring And No Third Party Auditing

Regularly monitoring and assessing quality performance on construction sites like conducting internal and external quality audits to identify Non conformity and get opportunities of improvement is an important aspect in the construction quality gamut. Third Party Agencies must be hired for unbiased quality audits and adherence.

Hidden challenges of quality control can sneak on managers and snowball into major project issues. The best and foolproof way to steer clear of hidden problems is hiring Third Party Agencies like CQRA early in the project cycle so that all processes are always on track and developers and ultimately the end users can be assured of the highest quality at all times.

Get a Quote for Our Services

Email : marketing@cqra.acts-int.com | Call on : +91 9112232323