Cambridge - On the average jobsite, only 50% of the time is spent actually working. Another 15% of a worker's time is spent looking for materials. Which of course means they are moving around, which accounts for just about another 8% of their time. These are just some of the figures to come out of study conducted at the University of Calgary.

At a recent CCA meeting, Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura, professor at the University of Calgary, delivered this bit of juicy insight after careful observation of 101 workers from four construction sites. He was able to find out the following:
jobsite productivity

If you stopped at the "socializing 8%" and got all upset at the wasted time, you are wasting your time! As we know the "digital generation" (age 19-33) views socialization as an integral aspect of their work life and that's not going to change - we simply have to accept this generational difference. As an owner, you would be far better off to improve the when, how and where materials are delivered, to reduce both looking for materials and travelling to and from materials. Reducing idle time is also a matter of good onsite management; standing around waiting because something else needs to be done first is apparent on every jobsite.

This survey is an excellent tool for us to improve our businesses. Armed with this insight, you may consider embracing technology, investing in training, or exploring new methods of delivery through best practice tools. In the study, Dr. Ruwanpura identified 10 top targets for improving construction productivity. He broke these 10 top targets into three categories:

External

* Weather related issues
* Project stakeholder Issues

Management

* Efficient working relationship model
* Material, equipment and tools management
* Better tool time analysis
* Optimization of work practices, resources and site layout
* Better integration between site and office

On the Human Side

* Best practices model for supervision
* Technology based on site communications framework
* Highly motivated and satisfied workforce

If you could look at these three areas and determine best practices for your jobsites, you would probably see productivity gains. We all know that our productivity is affected by the number of disruptions. Identifying the causes of these disruptions will help in developing tools to optimize workspace and time.

Martha George is President of the Grand Valley Construction Association and can be contatced at mgeorge@gvca.org. This article is a reprint from the August Edition of GVCA Industry News.