The construction industry is growing very fast, with huge investments and opportunities for new Infrastructure in 2024. However, this also comes along with a lot of issues that threaten the sustainability and efficiency of the industry. As we move forward into 2024, it is essential to address these challenges and come up with solutions to mitigate the issues. Below are the 6 critical issues in the construction industry that Allshelter, the leading manufacturer of industrial container domes and shelters in Australia, has identified through their research and experience of working with construction companies.
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Labour Shortages
Working on different construction projects and with different partners, Allshelter realised that labour shortages have been a very common issue. The reasons for this include:
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Ageing workforce: Many workers are reaching retirement age, and there aren’t enough younger workers entering the field to replace them.
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Lack of interest from younger generations: Construction jobs are often perceived as physically demanding and less appealing compared to tech-oriented careers, which can prevent younger individuals from entering the sector.
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Skill mismatch: As construction technologies advance, there is a growing need for skilled workers who are proficient in new technologies and methods. The existing workforce
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Lack of educational & training opportunities: Insufficient vocational training programs and apprenticeships can limit the availability of trained workers ready to join the industry
One possible solution to address this is to invest in training programs, which help upskill existing workers and provide freshers with essential skills to work in the industry.
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Cost Overruns:
Cost overruns occur when construction projects exceed their budget due to unforeseen expenses, delays, and circumstances. They are and will continue to be one of the biggest challenges for the construction industry in 2024. The most common cause of cost overrun is poor productivity due to the lack of investment in new technologies. Investing in newer technology, such as drones and artificial intelligence, could significantly improve efficiency and automation.
Due to global inflation, rising materials costs also contribute to cost overruns in the construction industry. Marketing fluctuations also make it difficult for companies to accurately budget for future projects, which can ultimately lead to these issues. However, we have seen a recent turn of events in early 2024. Inflation is falling more rapidly than expected in most regions, which might result in a sigh of relief for many construction businesses amid the supply issues.
How can fabric shelters help prevent cost overruns?
Many projects start off needing a place to store materials and equipment that is only permanent for the time of the project. That is where container-mounted fabric shelters, like those from Allshelter, come in handy. These covers offer a cost-efficient solution that can be put up and taken down promptly. Depending on their size, these structures have a lead time from 48 hours to 18 weeks. The container shelters can be relocatable due to their ease of installation and dismantling. This means that companies don’t need to worry about sorting out alternative options that don’t add any value in the long run.
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Delays:
Delays are a considerable challenge in the construction industry and remain so in 2024. One of the biggest causes of project delays is supply chain disruptions. Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have intensified the construction industry supply chain issues. Delays in material orders and shortages of raw materials have plagued many construction projects. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unavoidable scenarios that can result in supply chain delays, such as natural disasters, transportation issues or unexpected changes.
To mitigate this issue, the experts from Allshelter believe effective project management is crucial. For instance, implementing a digital platform to help keep things organised, streamline workflows, and track progress will improve transparency and communication for workers.
Another solution is to prioritise sourcing materials from local suppliers rather than relying on international supply chains, in order to minimise overseas transportation-related delays. Diversifying suppliers is also recommended, as relying on a single source for materials can often be a mistake waiting to happen.
To avoid running out of materials for a project and reduce the need to delay while waiting for more, fabric dome shelters can be useful. They provide huge space to store materials in bulk. Furthermore, a fully enclosed fabric shelter can be locked, meaning that not only are your assets protected from harsh elements such as heavy rain, UV rays and cyclones, but they are also safe from potential intruders or vandals.
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Safety Concerns:
Construction safety continues to be a critical concern, with accidents and injuries occurring on job sites due to various factors such as inadequate safety training, lack of proper equipment, and failure to adhere to regulations.
Some suggested solutions include:
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Prioritise safety training: Construction companies should provide comprehensive safety training programs to all workers.
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Invest in technology: Use wearable technology, IoT sensors, and drones to monitor job site safety in real-time and identify potential hazards before accidents occur.
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Promote safety culture: Fostering a culture of safety where workers feel empowered to report hazards and near-misses without fear of reprisal is essential. Recognise and reward safety-conscious behaviour to encourage compliance.
Having a safe space where workers can go in an emergency is vital. Using a fabric shelter as a meeting place in case something goes wrong is a great idea, especially for remote sites with limited access to hospitals and amenities. You can store materials, construction equipment, and first aid there, too.
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Environmental and Ethical Concerns:
The construction industry has a large environmental footprint, facing issues such as resource depletion, pollution, and habitat destruction, which raise ethical concerns. Sourcing materials from ethical suppliers who adhere to responsible sourcing and production practices, and embracing sustainable building practices and green technologies are two great ways to minimise environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.
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Sustainable Shelters
Using shelters to cover worksites is popular; however, many are not serious about using environmentally friendly materials and processes. Fabric shelters, like the ones from Allshelter, provide site and asset coverage while still keeping sustainability at the forefront. These shelters are made from 100% recyclable steel frames with an eco-friendly and energy-efficient fabric-tensioned cover. The cover is made from translucent fabric, which lets light in, thus reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Complete and semi-block-out fabrics also enable natural cooling and shading. Ranging from a large-scale structure to a small 5-metre shelter, all shelters come in a compact kit form, 50% lighter than equivalent traditional steel structures around the same size. This is due to the significantly smaller amount of materials being used, which leads to more accessible transportation, reducing their carbon footprint. Allshelter is an ISupplier, a sustainable supplier who can contribute IS (Infrastructure Sustainability) credits to projects. This helps construction companies to put points towards achieving sustainability outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of the construction industry in 2024, it’s evident that addressing these critical issues is essential for the sector’s sustainable growth and success. Challenges such as labour shortages, cost overruns, delays, safety concerns, and environmental ethics require proactive and innovative solutions. Innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential as we work towards building a more resilient and thriving construction sector. By adopting these strategies and promoting a culture of adaptability and sustainability, we are paving the way for a brighter future for the construction industry and the communities it supports.