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.
