What are the responsibilities of a site manager?

There are many key responsibilities of a site manager, especially around Health & Safety. Whether it’s assessing safety hazards on-site, managing workers, or ensuring the projects run smoothly, it’s down to site managers to ensure compliance is met on every level.

 

What is a site manager?

Site managers are usually responsible for supervising construction sites and taking control of construction projects, making sure that the correct procedures are followed by all workers.

 

Site manager – job description

Site managers have a lot of control over the construction site, they will also be well-rounded in their own construction skills to cover any labour shortages that may occur from sickness or injury.

This role requires a blend of key project management and communication skills as they’ll need to talk to contractors on a construction or building site, clients and the general public if needed. We go further into the specific roles and responsibilities of a site manager below.

 

Site manager roles and responsibilities

Let’s split up the responsibilities of a site manager into their three key areas:

1. The Site

Site managers must supervise and take control of the site. This involves things like assessing safety hazards and making changes to minimise the possibility of an accident happening. If the safety hazard can’t be fixed then the issue should still be raised with someone who can resolve it. These inspections should be carried out regularly so any dangers can be quickly assessed.

There are numerous Health & Safety checks that must be completed on construction sites, and it’s the responsibility of the site manager to ensure these are all ticked off. All of these inspections are vital, because one thing missed could result in a serious injury on the site, or even death.

To highlight, the main on-site responsibilities of a site manager are to:

  • Ensure all necessary safety inspections have been carried out
  • Assess and minimise risks
  • Ensure the project is completed in line with company policy
  • Ensure the project is completed in line with statutory requirements

2. Workers

No matter how many inspections have been carried out on-site, managers must make sure that the workers are fully aware of hazards and best practices, so that they can carry out their work in the safest way. Guide workers to ensure they follow the site rules, and remain compliant.

Site managers are the go-to person for any questions about the project or site, so they must always be available if workers need to get in contact with them. It could be a question on the direction of the project, or to tell them that there has been an injury; either way, site managers need to be there to give information and advice.

Here are some of the responsibilities of a site manager in the area of workers:

  • Communicate effectively with workers
  • Ensure that all workers are aware of the safety hazards
  • Ensure that workers follow best practices and site rules

3. Managing

The main site manager responsibilities are focused around Health & Safety, but sometimes it’s also important for them to liaise with, motivate, and discipline staff. Why? Because these areas are conducive to creating an efficient workforce.

And, site managers are also involved with lots of the planning and feedback in the background. After all, they’re the ones who see most of what goes on with the project day-to-day.

See some of the management responsibilities of a site manager:

  • Liaise, motivate, and discipline staff
  • Report back to the client
  • Plan resources
  • Negotiate contracts and gain necessary permits and licenses

 

Keep your site safe with SMAS

Want to further improve safety on your projects? Book your Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) course today, and take your business to the next level. Our courses are completely online and are delivered by a CITB qualified instructor.

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Contact us today and speak to one of our experts to find out more. Let Smas Worksafe ensure your business is compliant and secure more tenders.