Project managers rely on construction superintendents for overall supervision on the job site. Superintendents are expected to achieve two main priorities: Build solid structures on budget and on time, and maintain a safe work environment.

Clear, effective communication with all crew members is a must to achieve the second priority – and if it isn’t, there won’t be much progress on the first priority. Periodic safety violations can divert a superintendent’s focus and energy away from the task at hand. Excessive safety violations can shut down a job site in an instant, resulting in costly fines and work stoppages.

Voxtec understands the stakes are high. Our rugged, mobile translation systems help superintendents and safety inspectors maintain a safe, efficient work environment:

• Clear communication with all crew members, especially those with limited English proficiency, is vital to maintaining OSHA-compliant work sites. Voxtec language translation systems allow superintendents to implement construction safety programs and facilitate safety meetings to ensure understanding and compliance among all crew members.
• Safety inspectors and superintendents can use their Voxtec translation systems to point out potential violations to crew members through specific phrases. For example, crew members building a scaffold may be reminded, “A toe kick is required along the edge to prevent bricks from falling.”
• Voxtec systems can also be used to help superintendents gather information and maintain order in emergency situations. Injured workers can be reassured that help is on the way, while fellow workers can be interviewed to collect important information for medical and insurance purposes.

Swift Emergency Response on the Job site

In Hagerstown, MD, a construction crew member fell two stories from a ladder. The superintendent immediately approached him and realized the scared, injured worker didn’t understand his questions. The worker needed to be calmed to prevent further injury, and other non-English speaking crew members needed reassurance that help was on the way.

Using his Phraselator® P2 from Voxtec, he immediately conveyed concise emergency instructions, telling the victim to lay still and informing him an ambulance was on the way. He collected pertinent information from other crew members and was even able to record a witness statement directly on the P2 for later transcription.

Gregory Ricker, Safety Director, K. Hovnanian Homebuilders, Hagerstown, Maryland, speaking about this situation had the following to say...

“The Phraselator P2 is helping us bridge the communication gap and keep workers safe. It was priceless in this particular emergency and contributed to getting a worker immediate medical attention.”

For this situation and the scores of others like it that could occur on any jobsite, Voxtec translation systems provide quick, reliable solutions.