NEED OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Today, the dust, noise, and air pollution caused by construction projects have had a massive impact on the environment. In the construction industry, due to the abundance manufacturing of construction material, excessive emission of gases and the noise created by the construction processes have increased with an increase in urbanization and huge development projects. Construction managers have multiple responsibilities during these projects. Construction Managers responsibility includes not only the smooth completion of the project, worker safety, and safe job sites, but also a major responsibility to minimize the impact of construction on the environment. Because of the use of heavy equipment and the nature of the work, there is a risk of destroying the surrounding ecosystems and causing irreversible damage to nature.

 

The Consulting Engineers Association of India is sensitizing the industry by conducting webinars to consider the environmental protection and safety of the ecosystem during construction projects as one of vital activity of the project.

A blueprint to start with:

Before commencement of any type of construction project, large or small. It is imperative to have a well-organized plan. Well organized design in place to carry out all construction processes with Environment protection and safety aspects. It is also critical to pre-analyze the impact of your construction on the various elements while keeping the environmental/safety impact in mind. For example, the types of machinery being installed, the study of impact on drainage systems of the surrounding area while building the facility, to protect local water resources without contaminating them.

Ensuring Equipment safety:

It is the responsibility as an Authority Engineer to review, test, and evaluate the machinery used in construction projects. All organization have to implement additional safety measures. As well as learning processes for each machinery, its effects while in use, and after use – on the surrounding ecosystems. It is very paramount to consider all of the safety hazards while a machine is in use. Also, its exposure to electrical circuits, throwing of debris from a height is hazardous not only to construction workers, but also to the environment.

Being Responsible and Considerate

It is not only the Construction Manager’s responsibility, but also the responsibility of the construction workers. They need to pay attention to details such as turning off heavy and all types of machines during break time or when not in use.his can save energy and reduce the amount of harmful emissions. Establishing well-planned and well-thought-out protocols during projects, such as waste disposal and installing fences in appropriate areas, is critical. It is made mandatory to safety drill periodically and daily tool box meeting  for construction workers.

Post Construction Efforts

Post construction, it is necessary to reinstate the site to its original state, particularly with regard to disassembled parts and pieces and debris. However, the clean-up is not limited to this. It also includes the restoration of top soil as well as vegetation near and around disturbed areas. Waste management plays an important role in improving the company’s public perception. The Planning stage should include Waste Management as well. Sustainable waste management and resource use ensure that the entire process aims to reduce waste. Minimizing waste also leads to increased efficiency and lower costs for the company.

 

With the need to ensure proactive measures for environmental protection, construction projects must also take steps in this direction. Many countries, including India, have made significant progress toward the goal of zero carbon emissions. Our hon’ble Prime Minister announced a bold pledge that India will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. He asserted that it is the only country that is meeting the Paris Agreement’s commitments to combat climate change in letter and spirit. To achieve this goal, all industries must take active steps.