Benefits of Incorporating Safety and Teambuilding Into Your Project Kickoff Meetings

Getting off on the right foot is important when construction firms begin new projects. When project expectations are not met, projects will have issues and disputes. Whether it is budget, schedule, or quality, it is critical all expectations are outlined as well as informing the crews of project-specific safety issues. Most Pre-Construction / Kickoff Meetings just cover the basics. Yet by enhancing these sessions, one can have a strong impact on the overall health of your future projects.

As with any new project utilizing temporary employees or subcontractors, getting personnel to work together as a team can also present some challenges. Collaboration, innovation, and creativity will flourish in an environment where teambuilding is fostered. These items are critical for maintaining the spirit and motivation required to keep projects moving forward. HB NEXT has developed an 8-hour Safety Training & Teambuilding Course designed for general contractors (GC) and their subcontractors. HB NEXT Training Manager Ryan Boling sees many benefits for offering this course at the beginning of a project. “The Safety Training & Teambuilding Course is beneficial for any general contractor or specialty contracting firm that is or will be working on a construction project with several trades / subcontractors,” said Boling.

“This course can serve as a project ‘kickoff’ meeting or as training for initial jobsite orientation, providing a consistent safety message. The course has been referred to by former trainees as a miniaturized version of an OSHA 10-hour course combined with several other custom curricula developed by HB NEXT. The class covers OSHA compliance, jobsite safety, soft skills, leadership, project management considerations, and more,” commented Boling.

Clients have reported seeing an increase in cooperation and cohesion amongst different trades on the job which, in turn, has a positive effect on productivity and morale. This course gives GC representatives / owner’s representatives a chance to meet face-to-face with the subcontractors who will be performing work on their jobs. Also, when utilized as, or, in conjunction with, a project kickoff meeting, it provides an opportunity for the tradespeople on the job a chance to meet each other in person, before working together on an active jobsite with several distractions and the ongoing pressures associated with meeting schedules / budgets.

This course discusses common problems that occur in the field and allows there to be an up-front discussion about the ways to handle them as a team. This gives the GCs a better chance at resolving job conflicts more effectively when they occur.

This course also incorporates all of the GC’s company / job specific safety requirements and rules. When offered by a GC, it helps to improve overall safety on the job, allowing subcontractors to gain an understanding of the GC’s specific job expectations before setting foot on the project. This means less potential for accidents, incidents, injuries, and problems associated with the jobsite safety and compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

HB NEXT is committed to serving construction firms through safety training, counsel, OSHA reporting and any environmental issues that may arise on the jobsite. Contact HB NEXT today to enhance your next pre-construction or project kickoff meeting.