Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Project and Construction Oversight in Canada

By Roger Frost


Construction inspectors inspect the construction and maintenance of new and existing buildings, bridges, highways and industrial construction to ensure that specifications and building codes are observed and monitor work site safety. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms or they may be self-employed.

Construction Inspectors read comments and instructions on inspection reports, invoices and architectural drawings. For example, they may read comments on inspection reports that provide reasons why stop work orders were issued. Inspectors are also responsible to inspect products shipped to site by sub-contractors to inspect for any visible deficiencies or finishing flaws. Some products may only require a minor touch up while others may have to be sent back. Speed in finding flaws is very important as most projects are on a tight completion schedule.

One inspector may be required to oversee construction at two different sites and ensure all required parameters are being met. This typically requires a very elevated decision making process to maintain a level of competence at two physically different locations. Many times the scope of the project is changed as situation may warrant. Flexibly and skill sets must be high enough to deal with sudden changes in work requirements.

Each level of the Problem Solving Scale is defined with reference to all four dimensions. Tasks that are more difficult on one dimension of the complexity rating scale may be more or less difficult on the others as the four dimensions function somewhat independently. For example, the complexity of "identifying the problem" may fit in Level 2 while the complexity of "assessing the solution" fits in Level 3. The complexity rating assigned to a task is the best summary description of its level of complexity.

Continuous learning is very important to construction inspectors as they are required to keep up-to-date with new building materials and amendments to safety and building codes and other relevant legislation. Learning takes place in a variety of ways. They attend off-site workshops, conferences, seminars and workshops offered by safety councils, building associations and post-secondary institutions and private trainers.

While most Construction inspectors have learned their skills on actually job sites, there are some colleges that are offering basic courses and some workshops. A typical workshop usually provides construction inspectors with an understanding of the flow of activities and the fundamentals of construction inspection. For the seasoned employee (more than 3 years of experience), the workshop refreshes solid principles of construction inspections.




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