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Construction work combines physically hazardous environments, heavy machinery, and high-risk tasks, often in unpredictable outdoor conditions. According to OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry has the highest number of fatal injuries (1 in 5), so it’s only natural for the focus to be on physical safety measures.
Yet, the digital world also creates harmful situations with impacts in the real world. Bad digital habits, from both workers and managers, can lead to leaked confidential files, miscommunication, cyberattacks, or incorrect blueprints.
In today’s article, we’ll shed some light on the digital side of construction work and the five digital habits that can make your work environment safer.
1. Keep Digital Information Up to Date
According to a McKinsey study, construction projects run 20% over schedule on average. While there are complex factors that lead to this outcome, poor information flow and miscommunication due to out-of-date documents, blueprints, and schedules are part of the problem.
This happens when you rely solely on static spreadsheets or printed documents and schedules. When changes happen (and they do!), it takes time and effort to notify everyone affected by it.
Teams that use digital schedules and cloud-based project management platforms are more efficient and informed. Plus, it’s easier to keep track of everyone’s progress that way. Just make sure everything is up to date and that everyone is notified of any upcoming changes.
2. Work with IT Professionals
You don’t weld without goggles, and you don’t try to DIY the repair of a 2-ton machine (at least, you shouldn’t), so why would you even attempt to build the network infrastructure of your company and systems?
If you want things to go well, you look for the best company offering managed IT services for construction in your area and hire them to set up secure networks, backup systems, and file permissions. By outsourcing your digital setup or cybersecurity needs, you reduce mistakes and exposure to risks. Plus, you save money in the long run.
3. Use Secure File Sharing
Resisting and preparing for cyberattacks is a part of doing business nowadays. It doesn’t matter if you’re big or small. In fact, 43% of data breaches target small businesses, and a large majority of attacks are successful due to a lack of proper protection systems.
However, when your team uses unsecured channels to share files, such as email, messaging apps, or USB flash drives. Besides the risk of data leaks, these methods make it difficult to keep things organized. Plus, it’s easy to lose a USB drive or accidentally add the entire list of business partners to an email.
The best way to avoid sharing confidential blueprints or losing sensitive information is by implementing a clear file-sharing policy within the company. Also, use tools like Google Drive for Business, OneDrive, or Dropbox with controlled access.
4. Maintain Cloud-Based Incident Logs
When done right, construction work has a lot of perks, but it’s important to have a clear view of what happens on site. One way to do this is by implementing a cloud-based incident log system. This way, workers can log accidents, near-misses, or safety hazards from the field using phones or tablets.
Supervisors see the updates instantly, which means corrective action can happen the same day, not weeks later. It’s also a way to spot patterns that can create an unsafe work environment. For instance, if you have three ladder incidents in one month, you already know there’s a problem in that area and should pay more attention to it.
Cloud logs also create a time-stamped, organized record that’s easy to retrieve during inspections or audits. And, in the case of a lawsuit, you have detailed, accurate, and securely stored records.
5. Organize Routine Cybersecurity Drills
Construction workers may not be the most versed in digital technologies, but they should know how to spot a phishing attempt and understand the importance of using secure channels and devices for professional communication.
Regular cybersecurity drills help staff recognize threats, respond quickly, and prevent costly downtime.
Wrap Up
A safe work environment in a construction company also involves the way you handle the digital aspect of business. The way you handle your files, devices, and online tools can be the deciding factor in the case of a cyberattack. A single missed update, unsecured file, or phishing click can cause delays, cost thousands, or put people in harm’s way. By building strong digital habits, you protect your crew, your projects, and your reputation.
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