Everyone has
heard the saying; “the right tool for the right job”, and “you are only
as good as your tools.” These sayings are very true when it comes to the
choice and use of tools in the construction sites.
The quality of
the tools that you choose to use are as important as the tools
themselves when it comes to work and its quality. Even a good workman
will blame his tools if they’re the wrong ones for the job! Making sure
that you have the essential tools to work is vital. It will undoubtedly
delay the project if you don’t. The best construction teams in the
industry know that equipping their team with the proper tools and
equipment to do their jobs is necessary for a project to be successful.
The Tools are
devices, equipment, mechanisms, resources, applications — anything that
is utilised during the job to assist you in completing your task.
There are
thousands of tools out in the market. The challenge for managers is to
find the right ones to implement in the workplace to aid their
employees. Whether physical equipment that is needed to perform a task
or different applications to facilitate processes at work, it is
important to have the correct tools available for your employees to do
their work effectively.
When employees
aren’t provided with the correct tools, they are forced to rely on what
is readily available to them. This can lead to inefficient, slow work
that might also result in incorrect completion of a task, which
companies would obviously like to avoid. These days, tools are being
created that are smarter and more efficient.
Importance of using the right tool for the job
– Each tool is precisely designed for a specific purpose, so choosing
the correct tool will also decrease the amount of effort required to get
a job done right without causing damage to either the equipment or the
surface being worked on.
Never adapt if
you are missing a tool or piece of equipment. Remember tools are
designed for specific needs and purposes. Using any tool inappropriately
is wrong and just plain dangerous. To avoid personal injury and tool
damage, select the proper tool to do the job well and safely.
The Tools can be classified into two types –
- The first type of tool is the physical device that employees directly use to complete a task correctly. This can include carpentry equipment, scientific instruments, paintbrushes, etc. They are so important, that oftentimes a job can’t be done correctly without them. Having the right tool is imperative to successful completion of the task at hand. In addition, the right tools allow employees to complete their task efficiently, which affords employees opportunities to expand their range of capabilities.
For e.g.: tools
used for masonry work- masonry trowels, pointing trowel, spirit level,
plumb bob, nylon thread, measuring tape, scale, aluminium straight edge,
right angle template, hammers, chisels, etc.
- The second type of tool expedites processes at work. These might not be necessary to complete a task but are just as important to the project. There are many applications and services that you can implement into your workplace that do things like facilitate communication between employees, assist them in keeping their tasks organised, and store their shared documents and resources. Tools like this help you take care of internal things that don’t directly affect your productivity so that you can spend more time and brainpower focusing in the things that matter most to the project.
For e.g.: work
procedures, computer applications, software’s like- AutoCAD – MS
project, communication through emails, mobile phones and other
electronic gadgets.
Time saving & Efficiency –
With the right tools and equipment, maximum efficiency can be achieved.
Tools are designed to help us accomplish specific tasks easier and
safely. Using the incorrect tool for a task not only can take longer to
accomplish, but it could also result in injuries, mistakes, and shoddy
workmanship. All of these will end up costing you more time and money
than if the right tool had been used the right way from the start.
Quality of Work –
When employees are using the wrong equipment, mistakes are bound to
happen. Incorrect installation techniques can lead to leaks, damage to
the equipment or to the surface being worked on. As a result of these
issues, your reputation with your customer and your employees’ sense of
pride in their work can be damaged. To be successful, you need your
customers to trust you to complete the work at a high-quality standard.
In addition, your employees will feel proud of the work they do if they
know it’s important to do it the right way, with the right tools.
Safety –
On job sites, it’s crucial to have the proper PPE to protect employees
from injury. It’s equally as important to equip workers with the right
tools to complete jobs safely. You don’t want your employees to have to
get creative with what ladders or power tools to use. Project managers
should work with foremen to understand what their crews need to do their
jobs successfully and safely. Equipment that’s not in proper working
order can also quickly become dangerous so it’s important to inspect
equipment in the shop and on site prior to construction.
To conclude,
tools are the backbone of business processes. The tools and equipment
should be well maintained and serviced to make certain that it stays in
good working order and lasts as long as possible. Whether you are
attempting to save time or are just negligent, using the wrong tool for
the job is a mistake. The best workmen always equip themselves always
with the right tools for
their work. Foremen and their crews appreciate having the tools they
need to do their jobs. Provided with the right tools and equipment, they
will not only be happier, more engaged employees, they will also be
motivated to do their best work.