Site foreman

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[edit] Introduction

The site foreman (also sometimes known as construction foreman) is a key member of the contractor team, responsible for organising construction works on site. They perform a pivotal role in the success of a project. One of the most important facets of the job is to ensure the health and safety of all personnel on the site.

Typically, the foreman is an experienced construction worker.

[edit] Key duties

The site foreman will undertake a range of duties:

• Organising tools, plant, machinery and materials.
• Organising workers.
• Supervising construction activities.
• Identifying materials and equipment that may be required.
• Ensuring construction is carried out accurately, following plans and specifications.
• Ensuring that contractor activities are properly co-ordinated.
• Ensuring that tasks are completed on time and to the required quality standards.
• Taking responsibility for health and safety on site.
• Training employees.
• Maintaining detailed and accurate site reports.
• Communicating project progress to key stakeholders, such as the client, architects, engineers, and so on.

[edit] Skills and experience

A site foreman will require:

• The ability to work to tight deadlines and budgets.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• The ability to build relationships across a wide range of professionals.
• An thorough understanding of the Building Regulations.
• An understanding of health and safety and first aid.
• An appropriate Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) card.
• Site Supervisor’s Safety Training Scheme (SSTS) or Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) qualification.

[edit] Find out more

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.

• Clerk of works.
• Commercial manager.
• Considerate Constructors Scheme.
• Construction logistics manager.
• Construction progress meeting.
• Construction superintendent.
• Contract administrator.
• Contractor.
• General foreman.
• Health and safety inspector.
• Principal contractor.
• Quality control.
• Site administrator.
• Site induction.
• Site inspection.
• Site inspector.
• Site supervisor.
• Workmanship.

[edit] External references

• CSCS Cards.
• Site Supervisor’s Safety Training Scheme (SSTS).
• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS).