What does a Quality and Safety Manager in construction do?
The Quality and Safety Manager in Timber Construction plays a key role in managing construction projects using wood as a building material.
DUTIES OF A Quality and Safety Manager in timber Construction
Their primary task is to ensure the quality of the wood materials used and to oversee the safety of the construction site and the structure, as well as the safety of workers and all involved parties. Wood, as a sustainable and eco-friendly construction material, requires special attention to meet the specific quality and safety standards of this sector.
To fulfil their duties, the Quality and Safety Manager begins by implementing strict control protocols. These protocols cover the entire construction process, from the selection of wood materials to the completion of the project.
They ensure that the wood used comes from responsible sources, certified by labels such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which guarantee sustainable forest management. Simultaneously, they ensure that the wood meets mechanical resistance criteria, is treated against insects and mould, and satisfies thermal and acoustic requirements, ensuring safe and high-performing constructions.
Regarding safety, the manager oversees the implementation of current standards and regulations, including those defined by the Labour Code, as well as specific texts related to timber construction. They ensure that the working conditions on the construction site comply with safety standards to prevent accidents. This includes training and raising awareness among workers about the specific risks of timber construction sites (handling heavy materials, working at heights, exposure to wood treatment products, etc.), as well as providing all necessary protective equipment. They must also anticipate environmental and health risks by ensuring the proper storage and use of chemicals such as solvents or varnishes used in wood treatment.
Compliance with environmental standards is also an integral part of the role’s responsibilities. In addition to ensuring sustainable management of forest resources, the Quality and Safety Manager works to minimise the carbon footprint of construction sites by promoting eco-friendly practices: reducing waste, recycling materials, and optimising energy and water consumption, among other initiatives.
Lastly, they play a crucial role in communicating with all stakeholders in the project: clients, engineers, architects, subcontracting companies, and workers. They ensure that everyone understands and adheres to the quality and safety requirements.
What career developments can there be?
The role of a Quality and Safety Manager in Timber Construction requires advanced technical skills, a strong sense of organisation, and diligence to ensure that every timber construction project proceeds under optimal conditions in terms of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.