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When it comes to embracing new technology and digitisation, the construction industry historically hasn’t been at the forefront. In this post, we explore how switching from physical forms and paperwork to their digital counterparts can help construction businesses improve health & safety practices.
Be proactive with real-time analysis
One of the key benefits of filling out forms digitally from a mobile device over a paper-based version is the fact that they can be analysed in real-time. Typically with paper forms, once they have been completed it may take a couple of days for them to make their way back to the office.
By completing essential on-site forms, such as risk assessments and incident reports, they are uploaded to the system as soon as the user hits ‘Submit’. This means that the team in the office have oversight of that completed form as soon as it is filled in.
That means construction businesses can be more proactive when it comes to spotting trends and patterns, particularly when it comes to risk assessments and incidents. By doing this, businesses can reduce risk to their workers and ensure their business introduces relevant measures to minimise the possibility of health and safety breaches occurring.
Even when a data connection is not available on site, completed forms are stored and uploaded to the system as soon as the device is connected to the internet.
Attribute forms to specific contracts
Another important benefit to construction businesses when it comes to filling out forms digitally is the fact that the completed forms can then be attributed to a particular project or contract.
Imagine a health and safety breach or incident occurs on one of your sites – storing the completed paperwork in your Document Management system along with the relevant contract makes it quick and easy to locate the documents you need.
This eliminates the risk of lost or misplaced paperwork, and helps your business to ensure an impeccable safety record.
Complete forms quicker
You may be thinking that it takes longer to complete a form on a mobile device than it does to rely on the old-fashioned pen and paper, but in most cases it can actually save time.
For example, taking a photo and attaching it to a risk assessment form of a potential hazard is far quicker and easier than having to describe it – and they say a picture is worth a thousand words!
Not only is the completion of forms far quicker and easier, but these benefits transfer to the entire process, too.
With paper forms somebody has to be responsible for printing, storing and transporting both new and completed forms back to the office for storage, whereas completing forms on a mobile device is far simpler. All users need to do is ensure the device is charged up each day.
Customers using our Mobile Forms module we are now getting real time information of risk assessments, site incidents and daily checklists. Any issues that arise on these documents can now be quickly identified and resolved, keeping their businesses up to date with ISO standards.
Conclusion
There are a whole host of benefits to your construction when it comes to digitising your on-site forms. If you would like to find out how Mobile Forms can help your business streamline processes and improve health and safety practices, contact CIF Corporate Partner, Integrity Software, today. Visit their website at integrity-software.net or call +0333 256 2994
– Sam Creasey, Professional Services Manager at Integrity Software.