Being Obvious

An informative diagram found in a nail gun users manual

People can be really stupid sometimes (myself included).  Painfully obvious rules and directives exist because without them, it is assumed someone would be disobedient or would not have the presence of mind to pay attention to their harmful behaviour.  This is especially true on a construction site.  There is no such thing as being too clear or too direct when communicating.  If there is any room for the misinterpretation of rules or instructions, things will go wrong.  For example: Don’t rest your nail gun on someone’s head.  Otherwise a nail might go into their head.  

Or, as can be seen below, the contents of this garbage can are inedible.

This kind of label seems unnecessary at first.  But this style of communication is ubiquitous on the work site and there is a good reason for it.

Rather than using typed memos or handouts, most written communication on a construction site consists of large spray-painted directions on walls, orders hastily scrawled on cardboard and taped across doorways, and messages written with permanent markers in all caps. There is no time or patience for fine print or lengthy descriptions.

Verbal communication is the same.  It is clear and direct.  If part of the communication is left out, suggested or assumed, it will not be heard.  Minimalism is the order of the day.  Sentences are short. The same is true of unnecessary syllables. Words like please and thank you are rare and unless absolutely necessary, don’t say “sorry”.  It just distracts attention away from the point.   (This mode of communication is also the result of a male dominated work place, but that’s a discussion for another time.)

Construction work takes a lot of focus to do well and it’s easy to get tunnel vision when completing a task.  It takes experience to be aware of everything you are doing as well as everything going on around you.  The direct style of communication on a jobsite serves a significant function.  It’s not that everyone on site is somehow missing a chromosome.  In order to be effective, communication needs to be abrupt and noticeable to capture the attention of workers who are driven to complete their tasks and make money.  Physically demanding work requires concentration and an aggressive attitude to stay motivated.  It is important to encourage cooperation on the jobsite but sometimes it’s not okay to be polite if you want to communicate effectively.  Especially if someone starts eating out of the garbage can.