In this post we'll take a look at construction job-site inspections and try to understand, why inspections are so very important...

To understand why the inspection is so very important, we must first take a look at one example of what is to be inspected. Certain particular areas of a project, or building, that are prone to become the most weak over time is what needs to be the most closely inspected during the construction process. For example, one such area is the joints between timber such as in light wood and heavy wood construction. Also of importance in regards to joints are light gauge steel and heavy steel construction which can sometimes include a lot of on-site welding and many joints are created as a result. The determining factor in these construction areas that can possibly result in great weakness over time is the human element. One must consider that nearly all of the members in a particular light wood framed project, or light gauge steel project, have been pre-engineered and maybe even pre-fabricated to a certain extent. The potential for error occurs when the human is involved. When laborers on the job site are assembling and constructing the pre-made members, there is always a potential for error. The joints, which represent an important structural component in the structure, are also the parts which have, intrinsically, the greatest potential for error and weakness. Keep in mind, this is only one tiny little analysis of one part of a much greater whole, but I think it goes to convey at least in a small way, why construction job-site inspections become so important.

An external party must check and examine the construction of details and joints to make sure the standards of the engineer and of the code are kept.

In construction and related activities you may come across the term "Competent Person", in this post I explore who and what that is. 

To determine what qualifications a person may need in order to be designated as a competent person, I researched various online sources. My initial impression about the role of a designated competent person is that such an individual should be well rounded with his or her knowledge in construction management. He or she would certainly need to be very knowledgable in at least one of trades present on the job site. The competent person would need to have a firm grasp on the OSHA standards for at least one trade, but preferably more.

Key interesting facts I picked up from research about the competent person is that this is most definitely not a role that one would necessarily train for, or could train for. The skills and knowledge that need to be present in a competent person are not just book smarts, but more importantly, experience on construction sites. Training does factor into the process of becoming a competent person, but many years of experience is what is weighed more heavily in determining who is up for the job. 

    The next, and potentially even more important, factor in determining a competent person is ones ability to act in an authoritative manner when it is required, without hesitation. Along with the authoritative characteristic, one must be able to notice, discern, and swiftly decide what action is needed during the presence of a potential safety hazard. Tying the first and second characteristics together, we can see how the competent person needs to have great experience in at least one or more trades, knowledge of the trades and associated dangers, OSHA regulations regarding trades, capacity to perceive or foresee dangerous situations, act on hazards, and lastly, to command different laborers with solutions in the most expeditious manner.