Human error is a fact of life, it is what makes us human. However, allowing human error to significantly inflate construction costs or miss key deadlines is unacceptable to most clients, resulting in contract penalties, compensation, bad public relations or worse, protracted lawsuits.

Indeed, human error is a leading cause of defects, rework, and delays in construction projects. When Setting Out for a construction project, the first phase of any project, there are several key areas where human error can occur.

1. Errors in measurements

One of the most common areas of human error in construction Setting Out is errors in measurements. This can happen when measurements are taken incorrectly, or when they are not properly communicated to the construction team. Errors in measurements can lead to misalignment of structural elements, incorrect installation of finishes, and other costly defects.

2. Errors in calculations

Another common area of human error in construction Setting Out is errors in calculations. This can happen when calculations are made incorrectly, or when they are not properly checked. Errors in calculations can lead to structural instability, inadequate load-bearing capacity, and other safety hazards.

3. Errors in interpretation of drawings

Construction drawings are complex documents that can be difficult to interpret. Errors in interpretation can occur when drawings are not properly read, or when they are not properly interpreted by the construction team. Errors in interpretation can lead to incorrect installation of structural elements, finishes, and other components.

4. Errors in communication

Communication is essential for successful construction projects. Errors in communication can occur when information is not properly communicated between the various parties involved in the project, such as the owner, the designer, the contractor, and the construction team. Errors in communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and defects.

5. Errors in planning and coordination

Proper planning and coordination are essential for successful construction projects. Errors in planning and coordination can occur when there is inadequate planning, or when there is a lack of coordination between the various parties involved in the project. Errors in planning and coordination can lead to delays, cost overruns, and defects.

How to Reduce Human Error in Construction Setting Out

There are several things that can be done to reduce human error in construction Setting Out. These include:

• Using accurate and up-to-date drawings and specifications
• Providing clear and concise instructions
• Conducting regular quality control checks
• Establishing clear communication channels between the various parties involved in the project
• Planning and coordinating the project carefully
• Training construction teams on proper measurement, calculation, and interpretation techniques

Where we can help

The last bullet point in the list above is where we come in. Setting Out For Construction (SOFC) is the only private business that offers UK-wide CITB Assured training specifically for Site Engineers. Indeed, it was SOFC who wrote the CITB industry standards.

How to get started

Simply head over to https://settingoutforconstruction.com/ to see all our Site Engineering courses. In many cases the courses will be subsided or completely free provided that your business is CITB registered. See here for more information.