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The health and safety benefits of modular construction

In recent years, modular construction has gained immense popularity in the construction industry due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability...

Posted on 15th September 2023
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In recent years, modular construction has gained immense popularity in the construction industry due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability features. What is sometimes overlooked is the significant health and safety advantages of modular construction, making it an excellent option for both construction professionals and consumers. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways in which modular construction enhances health and safety within the construction industry. 

Reduced On-Site Exposure

One of the main advantages of modular construction is the significant reduction in on-site construction work. Traditional construction sites can be extremely hazardous environments with numerous risks for workers, such as slips, trips and falls, moving vehicles, falls from height, and exposure to construction dust and high levels of noise. 

Modular buildings are manufactured off-site in a quality-controlled factory setting using specialist machinery and equipment. By shifting a substantial portion of construction activities to one location, modular construction minimises on-site exposure to the following risks. 

  • Reduced fall hazards: Falls from height are a leading cause of construction site incidents, accounting for 19% of injuries and 51% of fatalities in the industry in 2021/2022, according to the HSE. Modular construction factory-based assembly means that workers are less likely to be exposed to elevated surfaces, reducing the risk of falls. 
  • Fewer traffic hazards: Construction sites can often be located in busy areas with heavy traffic accompanied by a large number of vehicles moving materials around the site. Modular construction reduces this need, decreasing the potential for accidents involving vehicles. 
  • Less exposure to weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions can pose safety hazards for construction workers. Modular construction allows for work to continue indoors, shielding workers from adverse weather such as rain and extreme temperatures. This also reduces any delays weather conditions may cause to the project as work can continue. 

Modular Building Manufacturing

Improved Ergonomics and work conditions

Modular construction offers a more controlled and ergonomic work environment for construction workers. Factories are designed for efficiency and worker comfort, which can lead to improved health and safety outcomes. 

  • Optimised workstations: Factories that produce modular buildings are designed to maximise efficiency and reduce physical strain on workers. This includes well-designed workstations and ergonomic tools that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, accounting for 53% of work-related ill health for those working in the construction industry. 
  • Better ventilation: One of the construction industry’s biggest challenges is managing construction dust. Not only is this a nuisance, but it can also have seriously damaging effects on an individual’s health, leading to conditions such as occupational asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Manufacturing facilities typically have better ventilation systems and a more effective way of managing this issue, reducing exposure to dust, fumes and other airborne hazards commonly encountered on construction sites. 
  • Consistent lighting: adequate lighting in factories helps prevent accidents caused by poor visibility and reduces eye strain for workers. 

Enhanced quality control 

Modular construction benefits from stringent quality control processes during production in the factory. This not only ensures that the final product meets the design specification but also reduces the likelihood of safety-related defects. 

  • Precise manufacturing: modules are manufactured with precision, reducing the risk of structural defects that could compromise safety. 
  • Thorough inspections: Factories often have quality control procedures in place, including a thorough inspection of materials, components and the assembly process. This can help identify and rectify potential safety issues before the modules leave the factory. 
  • Consistent safety standards: Modular building companies can maintain consistent safety standards across their facilities, promoting safer practices and reducing the risk of accidents. 

Timber Clad Building

Accelerated construction schedules 

Modular buildings have much shorter construction timelines compared to traditional construction. While this efficiency benefits project owners, it also contributes to improved safety. 

  • Reduced exposure time: with faster construction, workers spend less time on the construction site, reducing their exposure to potential hazards. 
  • Less disruption: shorter construction timelines mean less disruption to surrounding areas, reducing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and neighbouring properties. 

Mitigation of environmental hazards 

Modular construction can also help mitigate environmental hazards associated with traditional construction methods. 

  • Reduced air pollution: Factory-based production often involves better control of emissions compared to on-site construction equipment, resulting in reduced air pollution. 
  • Controlled waste management: Modular building manufacturers can manage waste, including hazardous materials, more effectively, preventing environmental contamination. 

Modular construction offers a host of health and safety benefits, making it an attractive option for not only the construction industry but also consumers when considering their options for their next project. 

As the construction industry continues to evolve, modular construction stands out as a method that not only delivers efficiency and cost savings but also advances the safety of all involved. 

For more information about modular construction, call our helpful team today on 01482 656590 or complete our contact form. 

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How can modular buildings increase your return on investment?

Modular buildings have been around for a long time, so they are not a new concept by any means. However,...

Posted on 8th June 2023
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Double storey modular building

Modular buildings have been around for a long time, so they are not a new concept by any means. However, now more than ever, businesses are looking for more affordable ways to house their business operations and want a quicker return on investment. With the significant savings on offer from budgets to timescales, modular buildings are offering the financial results that organisations are looking for. 

It is fair to say that modular buildings have stood the test of time and with good reason. They are hard-wearing, easily maintained and provide many benefits to businesses, from ease of planning to energy efficiency. With the many financial benefits that modular buildings offer, companies can experience a great return on investment.

Modular building with brick finish

5 financial benefits of modular buildings

In a competitive marketplace, businesses are looking for ways to maximise their productivity and minimise costs, so let’s look at how modular buildings can do just that.

Faster Construction Times

Because of the modular nature of the construction process, modular building manufacturers have a much shorter construction time than that of a traditional build. This reduced timeline leads to reduced labour costs, and fewer workers are required for groundwork; these are cost savings that can be passed onto you as the end user.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) reports that modular construction can see labour cost savings of up to 15-20%, which adds to the efficiency of costs attributed to modular buildings.

A traditional building can take up to 12 months to complete, whereas a modular structure can be ready to move into in a matter of weeks. This means that your business can be up and running sooner. By opening your business premises and operating more quickly, you are making money and starting work on getting a return on your investment faster than if you were waiting for a traditional build to be finished.

Confidence in your budget

Particularly in current uncertain financial times, supplies and material costs fluctuate considerably. Taking on a building project can feel daunting, and keeping costs under control can feel impossible. The instability of the supply chain can impact a traditional build significantly due to the previously discussed length of time they take to complete.

The uncertainty of costs can be relieved with the benefit of a shorter project timeline, like that provided by modular buildings. Furthermore, because modular building companies plan and purchase their supplies in advance, they can agree on costs at the beginning of your project. Once your quote is approved and accepted by you, you have the confidence of no unexpected surprises on your building, and it helps to keep more control of your finances.

Clearer time scales

Once you have given the go-ahead on your project, you can get hold of a precise time scale for completion. Because modular buildings are constructed in a factory environment, your building will not be affected by delays caused by external factors like the weather.

Having a defined timeline that can be relied upon helps businesses to plan their time and finances leading to better efficiency and productivity, which all has a positive effect on your investment.

Reduced Waste

Modular buildings are well-known for achieving excellent results in reducing the amount of waste produced in the manufacturing process. Again, because of the methods adopted in the construction of modular buildings allows for better planning of materials which means there is less waste.

The MPBA reports that modular construction can reduce waste by up to 20% compared to conventional construction.

Not only does this provide cost savings to your project, leading to a better ROI, but it is also a much more environmentally friendly approach to construction. Most businesses are aware of their impact on the world around us. By taking a positive stance on carbon emissions and sustainability is a beneficial message to send to customers and stakeholders.

Energy efficiency

Further to the green initiatives supplied through the reduced production of waste, modular buildings present a more energy-efficient option to a more traditional build.

The construction process uses less energy, helped by modern tools and equipment designed specifically for the process, as well as the shorter construction time. However, modular buildings are cheaper to run than a traditional structures, which results in a reduced carbon footprint and lower operating costs.

Modular buildings include features such as LED lighting and advanced insulation, among others, to help make them as energy efficient as possible. A recent study by the UK Green Building Council suggested that modular buildings can achieve up to 30% higher energy efficiency compared to traditional builds.

Double storey classroom block

Modular buildings can make your business more profitable

The financial benefits of opting for a modular building are many. In addition to the points already discussed, businesses can experience less disruption to their existing sites if they want to extend or renovate with a modular building. Reduced interference means firms can carry on processes that make money without experiencing downtime or a break in receiving income.

Reducing the amount of time on your project means that your company can have better control of finances and improve cash flow management. The shorter construction times lead to better financing options providing less risk and further enhancing your return on investment.

 

Portable Building Sales will get your business moving

If you have a project that you are ready to start or need to discuss whether modular buildings are suitable for your development, we have a team of advisors ready to speak to you.

The friendly team at Portable Building Sales can guide you through the design and installation process.

Get in touch with Portable Building Sales today to get your project off the ground.

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