Think back to the most challenging projects you’ve ever worked on. Maybe there were mistakes, missed deadlines, changes to the brief – or even conflict with contractors and clients.

On the jobsite, there can be lots of reasons why things go wrong. But more often than not, the root issue is difficulties in collaborating effectively, whether that’s with the contractor, other firms or simply within your team.

This is an issue across the construction industry. In the Asia-Pacific region, 29% of all rework is caused by poor communication, costing $4.1bn in 2018 alone.

As a specialist subcontractor, sometimes it can seem that challenges with collaboration are beyond your control. However, digital technology can help to not only improve collaboration on the jobsite but enable formwork businesses to build strong, lasting client relationships.

Collaboration complications

Formwork subcontractors play a critical role in delivering buildings, whether it’s creating sturdy foundations or installing elaborately shaped feature roofs and walls. But delivering high quality formwork requires complex planning and precise execution, to meet deadlines and enable the project to stay on track – and that depends on careful collaboration.

Working with other firms is critical, whether it’s gaining the latest project specifications from the contractor, intense coordination with concrete subcontractors or working alongside other partners on a tight schedule on site.

The issue with information

Poor information-sharing, however, can be a huge barrier to collaboration. It’s often challenging for contractors to share the latest information across multiple subcontractors. As a result, time can be wasted waiting for data; in fact, the average construction worker spends 4.9 hours a week looking for the information they need.

It can be difficult to get answers to key questions about the work; the most common cause of poor communication is unresponsiveness to requests. This not only limits productivity and causes delays, but can result in mistakes. As correcting errors in formwork can be extremely costly and time-consuming, this can set back the project schedule and cut into the business’ profit margin.

Ultimately, challenges with collaboration can lead to stressful working conditions, conflict on-site and ultimately damage to relationships with contractors and clients. But by using digital technology to enhance information-sharing, formwork businesses can improve collaboration and their overall performance.

Perfecting partnerships with digital platforms

Today, formwork businesses can benefit from mobile collaboration tools like PlanGrid, which are available on familiar devices like smartphones and tablets. These digital platforms enable firms to easily access the latest project information from the jobsite, whether that’s drawings, specifications, Building Information Modelling data (BIM) or other documentation.

Because the data is stored in the cloud, it’s updated automatically, eliminating the problem of version control – and the challenge of constantly asking contractors for the latest information.

Importantly, these digital platforms have been designed to enable seamless collaboration between firms on-site. Formwork subcontractors can upload notes or photos attached directly to locations on drawings, to share instant updates on progress. Contractors can easily assign fixes for snag defect list items to individual firms with deadlines, and subcontractors can feedback immediately when the work has been completed, to ensure that work is completed to the highest standard.

It’s true that different firms might use different digital tools, which can make it difficult to transfer compatible data. However, there are features available like PlanGrid Connect, which use APIs to enable easy integration between different platforms – so that it’s easy to share data across systems.

A new class of cooperation

Having access to up to date information enables formwork businesses to work more collaboratively and productively with other partners on-site. This is vital for delivering work that’s right first time and on schedule. But importantly, digital tools can also enable firms to build stronger relationships with contractors and clients over time.

Subcontractors can communicate regularly and in detail about progress on-site throughout the construction process, sharing updates and reports whenever needed. Formwork businesses can also feed into rich, digital as-built records, that can help with facilities management and any renovations further down the line. This higher level of service can create a more cooperative relationship, and help formwork firms to stand out from the crowd for future work.

Equally, accurate digital records can help to reduce the risk of conflict about work that’s been completed. PlanGrid software, enables firms to document any changes in scope and provide evidence of work completed on time. This protects both the subcontractor and the client, and creates a stronger, more trusting relationship.

Stronger together

Digital tools can enable formwork businesses to improve their relationships with other firms, improving the performance on individual jobs and building a strong foundation for future projects. However, with these tools, formwork firms can also improve collaboration within the business.

Mobile collaboration tools can mitigate some of the most challenging elements of the job, whether that’s frustrations waiting for information or coping with conflict. Teams can share information with each other seamlessly, coordinating between the jobsite, the office and other locations with ease. That makes for better working lives – and a more productive and cohesive organisation.

Seamless collaboration creates for better relationships, whether it’s within the business or with others. And with digital technology, formwork firms can eliminate collaboration challenges and set themselves up for long term success.

Incident overview:

During a concrete pour at a multi-storey building under construction, the formwork collapsed, placing three workers on the deck at risk of falling up to six metres onto broken reinforcement and support frames. The workers avoided injury by grabbing onto and climbing up the reinforcement mesh and debris.

The investigation:

SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.

SafeWork NSW has commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.

Safety information

Businesses must consider all ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risk of a formwork collapse.

These include:

• A ‘competent person’ must design the formwork to retain its shape and withstand loads such as reinforcing, concrete and any associated materials and the dynamic loads imposed by pouring, agitating, the movement of people or environmental factors such as wind and rain.
• Install the formwork in accordance with the design and instructions from the designer - formwork should be rigid, watertight, braced and tied together to maintain position and shape during construction.
• Check variations to the design and ensure they are verified in writing by the designer, engineer or other competent person.
• Don’t mix components from different formwork systems unless a competent person (eg engineer), has authorised the component use.
• Put measures in place (eg bracing), to prevent vertical support feet, on inclined surfaces, from slipping.
• Before loading with weight, ensure a competent person (eg an engineer with experience in structural design -certifying engineer) inspects and certifies completed formwork and its supporting structures meet the design specifications and are structurally sound.
• Place concrete in accordance with the specified sequence and pour rate in order to maintain the stability of the formwork.
• Monitor formwork as it is being loaded to check for signs of potential failure or collapse and to ensure vertical and horizontal movements do not exceed specifications.
• Provide all workers with information and training specific to the formwork system, including:
• • details of the formwork system, tasks, activities and components
  • design intention regarding installation, use, movement, alterations and dismantling
  • control measures to minimise identified risks
  • how to inspect materials used in the formwork system.

TAX PLANNING - your regular tax alert from FIA Business Advisory & Finance Partners, HLB Mann Judd.

With the end of the 2019 income tax year upon us, this issue draws attention to year-end tax planning strategies and compliance matters that you need to consider to ensure good tax health. It focuses on the most important issues for small to medium businesses and individuals to consider.

The final FIA event of the (financial) year attracted a good and mixed crowd of safety managers and business owners keen to understand the implications of not complying with safety obligations. With prosecutions now becoming a regular thing, it was good to hear not only from FIA legal Partners K&L Gates, but also FIA Business Advisory & Finance Partners HLB Mann Judd on their experiences with clients regarding non compliance of safety obligations. We also heard from FIA Insurance Partner Coverforce, who shared some very interesting statistics on workers compensation and provided advice on how to manage this important expense and obligation.

Legal:
John Makris, from FIA Legal Partners K&L Gates discussed the proactive measures you are required to take to protect your business and the people within your business. Failing to comply with your legislative obligations can have significant implications upon your business and individuals within your business. These include:

• investigations by regulators,
• civil and criminal proceedings,
• disruption to your business,
• impacts on the relationship with your stakeholders and brand and reputational issues.

Insurance:
Julie Giardo and Julie Ring from FIA Insurance Partners Coverforce showed us how Workers compensation is a controllable expense within your business and can be the second largest spend for a business next to wages.

• Have you had an increase in workers compensation premium recently?
• Have you had a difficult claim?

Claims can cripple a business and our panel session shared how to mitigate your losses and invest in strategies that will return significant premium savings.

Financial:

Safety obligations don’t just apply to the on-the-job incidents. Todd Gammel from FIA Business Advisory & Finance partners HLB Mann Judd, took us through a number of case studies on risk and the implications of safety obligation compliance issues to assist organisations in developing a safe and secure business from a financial and operational point of view. 

FIA Supporter Built are working with a number of industry associations, insurance experts, SafeWork NSW and industry leaders, including the FIA, on improving industry wide practice around Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). The mission of this dedicated group and driven by the forward thinking team at Built, is “to save lives by bringing High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) top-of-mind and making Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) simple and effective”.

Built is developing an industry-wide collaborative platform to address confusion, inconsistency and ineffectiveness around HRCW and the use of SWMS in the construction industry, the subject of which has been discussed at a number of recent events, including the FIA workshop with SWNSW on SWMS.

The aim of the platform is to address one of the key problems facing our industry in that even with WHS regulation requirements, traumatic and fatal injuries have not significantly declined.

Industry insights from research completed by the team for the project discovered:

• Subcontractors are confused about SWMS requirements
• Tasks are the focus of SWMS instead of HRCW
• Control measures are not cutting through the paperwork
• No single recognised SWMS template nationally
• Workers see SWMS only as a procedural document

Additional supporting data also showed:

• HSE managers spend 60 hours of additional time on SWMS paperwork per project.
• None of the workers surveyed could accurately describe one or more HRCW that was relevant to their job
• 40% of workers said they signed a SWMS without reading it

Built along with the participating industry bodies and those supporting the project have identified the opportunity:

• to create a digital and innovative method to eliminate WHS risk,
• to focus on workers of different cultural backgrounds; and
• to assist in reducing HRCW fatalities and serious injuries.

The proposed solution is to create a nation-wide collaborative online and simple method of creating and monitoring SWMS for HRCW.

Referred to as Simply SWMS, an online application is now being developed and will be soon undergo usability testing with subcontractors and then be tested on a number of projects across the country and initially focusing on the following three trades, Formwork, Plastering and Mechanical Services.

We will bring you further updates from the trials when they happen and would like to commend Built for this initiative and the work that is being put into developing this solution to one of the biggest issues in our industry.

Around the world, construction companies are spending billions to create and use sets of data that physically represents the projects they are building, also known as building information modelling (BIM). Although BIM is a tool that has changed the way we design, build and operate most companies aren’t maximising their investment throughout the lifecycle, especially when building and installing work during construction. In fact, according to theBIMHub, only 41% of contractors use some form of BIM in the field.

In reality, every company is at a different place when it comes to BIM. However, no matter where a company is in its journey, BIM’s importance in today’s building landscape is undeniable. Data from models is increasingly needed to coordinate work across the lifecycle. Furthermore, more project contracts are mandating the use of BIM to improve cost and time of construction, and design teams are increasingly relying on Revit for 3D modelling.

Nevertheless, organisations still struggle to bring BIM to the field in a way that leads to real adoption. As models are flattened to PDF sheets for distribution to the field, a large portion of BIM data gets lost during construction. Technology firms have tried to solve this problem with mobile BIM viewers, but solutions have yet to live up to expectations; they’re often clunky, slow and complex. As a result, field workers can’t easily grasp a 3D view of their final work and frequently have to switch between multiple platforms to get important data.

At PlanGrid, we believe that better BIM enablement is key to solving our industry’s largest problems, from reducing rework in construction to improving decision making in operations. Today, our vision advances as we enable the entire construction lifecycle to access BIM data and information in an easy-to-use platform.

Introducing PlanGrid BIM: A New and Simple Way to Access BIM Data Anywhere

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a powerful new integration with our parent company, Autodesk. PlanGrid BIM lets anyone conveniently and immediately access models in the field and operations. Users will now be able to use the construction productivity software they love to drill down into 2D and 3D BIM data, without leaving the sheet.

We designed PlanGrid BIM to be different than other mobile viewers on the marketplace today. It was built with the same principles that we used to build our original product for viewing sheets in 2011–a simple, yet powerful product embraced immediately by old-school superintendents. Our goal with BIM was the same–a tool that’s uncomplicated and easy enough for anyone to get the information they need at their fingertips.

What we’ve built is an intuitive BIM product that maps against most workflows today. With three core elements, PlanGrid’s new BIM functionality includes:

Revit Integration

To get started with this feature, you need to export your sheets from Revit to PlanGrid. With the Revit plugin, getting data integrated into PlanGrid is exceptionally easy, eliminating the need for double entry and manual uploads. For instance, a BIM or VDC manager can install the PlanGrid plugin for Revit and then with a few clicks, get the BIM data and 2D sheets from Revit directly synced to PlanGrid. From there, a Document Controller can review and push to the field.

All sheet titles, numbers and data properties transfer with 100% accuracy. Meanwhile, drawings maintain the high-quality experiences and features PlanGrid is known for, like automatic callout detection and hyperlinking.

BIM-enabled Sheets

Users in the field are very familiar with navigating plans in 2D. With PlanGrid BIM, they can now just tap anywhere on a sheet to pull up model details such as the product or dimensional information associated with an object.

3D BIM Viewer

If a user taps to view 3D from an object, like a wall or door, on a sheet, instantly zoom in on the object’s 3D environment, even offline. The 3D BIM viewer is easy to explore with an intuitive pinch and zoom gestures and includes snap-to tools for taking measurements between model objects. Currently in open beta.

PlanGrid BIM in Action: Supporting Teams Through the Construction Lifecycle

PlanGrid BIM in Design and Preconstruction

New BIM functionality in PlanGrid allows teams to easily conduct design reviews and owner walkthroughs by accessing the richness of the model from anywhere. Ensure that construction delivers on design intent by connecting the dots with just a click of a button.

PlanGrid BIM in the Field

PlanGrid BIM enables better decision making in the field. With BIM functionality at their fingertips, teams can get the full picture in one place. Having all the data properties in 2D and being able to quickly visualise how complex work comes together in 3D eliminates the need to refer back to the office or sign into another program and navigate complex models.

PlanGrid BIM in Operations

With PlanGrid BIM, contractors can hand over high-quality as-builts with all asset details and 3D views pinned to their location on the drawings. In turn, facility teams have fast access to information during repairs and renovations. Teams can access rooms to see manufacturing and dimensional data before even getting to the site, helping them save time when preparing to solve an issue.

PlanGrid BIM is available to all PlanGrid users today on iOS and web, with functionality in Android and Windows to follow in late May. In the near future, PlanGrid will further its aim to help increase construction productivity by supporting integration with other design and project review software such as Autodesk Navisworks®, in addition to adding functionalities to update the master BIM model with data from the field, and the ability to generate tasks, RFIs and snag lists from model data.

A formwork and scaffolding business which constructs buildings in the commercial, industrial and high-rise residential sector for private and public companies, Formscaff proudly uses Dincel Structural Walling to complete structures quickly, safely and more cost-competitively than others.

Developed and locally manufactured by Dincel Construction System in Western Sydney, Dincel Structural Walling is an internationally patented, lightweight, permanent formwork system made from a durable non-toxic polymer which, when filled with ready mixed concrete, produces a load bearing, fire-resistant structural element.

“I’ve known Burak Dincel, Dincel Group’s Chairman, for a long time as I’d worked with him on engineering projects on my own development sites before he manufactured the Dincel System, which is one of the best systems out there,” John Elcham, Formscaff Managing Director praises.

“When we started using it, we did a project where the whole structure was Dincel and the boys loved it — now it’s on around 90 per cent of our projects.”

This isn’t surprising, as the Dincel lightweight panels provide speed of installation, are faster than column-slab systems, require no cranage and are ideal for limited access sites or building tight against adjoining structures.

“Dincel is lighter than any other product, so one guy can carry the panel; it takes around 25 per cent of the time and is just more convenient, cleaner, neater and a lot quicker,” Elcham stated. “Dincel was ideal for the Phillip Bay house as it was an awkward design, I didn’t want to do your general brickwork masonry and I wanted to do one skin. We designed it with Dincel and Associates and the extension and the first floor is all Dincel; downstairs we used the 200mm profile, upstairs on the perimeter we used the 155mm and on all the internals we used 110mm,” Elcham said.

“Where you’ve got adjoining buildings and you can’t get it watertight, Dincel is the way to go. It’s been up several months now and there’s no water seepage or leaks.”

Whilst highly practical, Dincel Structural Walling also caters to aesthetic considerations. Natural or painted Dincel panels are a popular design alternative, while a coloured render provides a desirable finish and cladding such as stone or timber are easily applied.

Offering a broad range of applications and increased install speed, safety and efficiency on challenging sites, Dincel Structural Walling is solving real problems for Australian architects, engineers and builders.

Construction and building sites can present many hazards, so it's important to take appropriate measures and ensure that every area is safe.

Apart from being a legal requirement under health and safety laws, this is also key to the protection of workers, visitors and people passing by. Two of the main components when it comes to maintaining the safety of a building site are signage and protective equipment.

Signage

Construction zones are required to have adequate signage for safety purposes, depending on the complexity and size of the site. The types of signs that are typically erected usually fall into one of four categories:

Mandatory signs: Provide specific instructions, such as wearing a hard hat. They consist of a blue circle with a white image inside.

Warning signs: Alert to potential safety hazards, such as nearby machinery operating or overhead hazards, and are typically yellow.

Danger signs: Warn of more serious, potentially life-threatening hazards and clearly say 'danger'. These signs are identified by a red oval on a black background.

Emergency signs: Display information about emergency-related facilities and equipment and are usually green.

When used correctly, these signs can ensure that a site is safe and provides sufficient warning and protection.

Often, 4-in-1 signs will be implemented to allow site managers and builders to more efficiently manage their safety obligations. As the name suggests, these signs incorporate the four common signs, along with any other site rules.

Before implementing signage, it is crucial to inspect the construction site and identify all potential hazards and risks. Once this is done, consider these factors and determine which type of sign is best for each hazard. By implementing correct and thorough signage, workers and the general public will remain safe and aware of the risks that inevitably come with being exposed to a construction or building environment.

Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment includes everything from boots to high visibility clothing and any other safety accessories that minimise risk of injury. This equipment does not control hazards, but can act as an additional safety layer, backup or last resort when all risks cannot be controlled or mitigated. Sometimes, protective equipment can introduce new issues, such as overheating, lack of visibility or restricted movement, but it still needs to be provided and worn appropriately.

Employees must be provided with personal protective equipment that meets the minimum health and safety standards, or at least an allowance to purchase it. While this is the responsibility of the employer, everybody on site must comply with all health and safety requirements. Employers must also provide the appropriate training to ensure that their workforce know how to properly wear and operate all protective equipment.

Encouraging colleagues to look after each other - along with ensuring they are always wearing the appropriate protection - will ensure the overall safety and compliance of a construction site.

Safety is an important and regulated issue, so it is crucial that all laws are abided by and that the appropriate measures are implemented to help protect workers and members of the public alike. Always seek advice from a professional or check the relevant laws in your state to be sure that you are following up-to-date and accurate regulations.

A recent decision in South Australia highlights what is required in the process of, and weighing up or balancing, the various elements in determining what is 'reasonably practicable' being the measures taken to ensure compliance by a PCBU in the event of bullying behaviour by workers.

The case demonstrates the importance for PCBU's to implement a process for aligning policies on behaviour and conduct, particularly bullying, which have an interface with WHS duties and disseminating the information and instruction, through training and supervision.

Facts

An apprentice of an electrical contracting company was exposed to risks to his health and safety from bullying behaviour by another worker and his supervisor. He narrowly avoided serious burns when sprayed with a flammable liquid and set alight by those individuals in the crib room, whilst having a lunch break.

Despite pleading with the supervisor and other worker not to ignite the flammable liquid the supervisor and other worker did so. In entering a plea of guilty, the supervisor described his conduct as "brain fade". The prosecutor charged the PCBU, supervisor and the worker with reckless conduct, a category 1 offence. This is the first reported decision of a supervisor being successfully convicted of a category 1 offence. The supervisor was convicted and fined $12,000 after a 40% discount for early plea (from a maximum penalty of $300,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment). The PCBU and the other worker are yet to face the court.

Takeaway

It is important to remember that a contravention of the safety legislation arises where there is a risk to health and safety. It is not necessary that there is a particular incident or that a person is actually injured to establish a breach of duty. What is required is the creation of a risk. A risk is the risk, it either exists, or it does not. The hazard was the conduct and behaviour of the supervisor and other worker in spraying the apprentice with flammable liquid. A prank, practical joke, or initiation process is not a rite of passage into the workplace. Conceivably, there will always be an element of risk in such behaviour and a contravention of the respective safety legislation.

The case demonstrates the importance for PCBU's to implement a process for aligning policies on behaviour and conduct, particularly bullying, which have an interface with WHS duties and disseminating the information and instruction, through training and supervision.

Ideally this should be covered at the induction and thereafter in training modules and followed up through Toolbox talks, pre-start meetings, and noted in WHS committee meeting minutes.

If you would like to discuss this matter or review compliance requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

John Rodney
Special Counsel
K & L Gates
+61 2 9513 2313
john.rodney@klgates.com

Contact

K&L Gates has an extensive full service offering in work health and safety across Australia. If you would like to discuss these cases and implications for you and your business further, please contact us.

John Makris
Partner
+61 2 9513 2564
john.makris@klgates.com