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Levco has not been bashful when it comes to lifting things that work from other industries to enhance the remolding experiences. This concept was adopted in 2004 by JCAHO the (Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations). In my former EMS (Emergency Medical Services) occupation we applied it on all things that were high risk and/or low frequency tasks.

Practice & Debriefing

There is also a lot to be said for practicing with the team frequently “Like a pit crew” and debriefing after the thing is completed to glean tidbits of information to improve your processes.

Check lists

I can honestly say that there was never a time in my professional carrier when a checklist was not done with all members of the crew prior to flight.

This is a high risk operation that requires every participant to echo that the item listed was addressed. We took personal responsibility (ownership) for having addressed the line item and acknowledgement that we were ready to go prior to leaving earth.

When your life is on the line these thing carry some weight. We called it “Three to go and one to say no”

One might say that remodeling is less risky, and I do agree statistically, but the concept of checklists is still a worthy one. There are some great “takeaways” that can immediately be incorporated into our remodeling safety culture, and your fast paced life for that matter.

Procedural Pause

This is a new one so pay close attention! A procedural pause is the act of getting everyone involved to stop prior to doing a high risk, and/or low frequency task. In this country now, prior to your surgery (as an example) everyone confirms that they are working on:

• The right person
• They are doing the right procedure
• They are doing the procedure the same way
• That they have a plan everyone is familiar with
  
• That they have a backup plan, just in case

In the event someone is not on the same page you are required to speak up. Everyone involved must agree that as a group, they are ready to proceed.

“Measure twice, cut once”

I’m sure you have heard this before, but you must agree it takes the conversation to the next level. Having been involved in this process I am a believer and have instituted this process into my remodeling safety culture.

It is difficult to quantitate the benefit but I can qualitate the cultural ramifications. We have “A great place to work” measured in length of stay and or camaraderie among the ranks. I put the emphasis on the word work to remind us what we are here to do.

Measured by the joy of accomplishing menial tasks, being on time for work or occasionally holding over, because we understand that we are creating improved living spaces for our clients. A procedural pause is not designed to paralyze progress; just too momentarily inject the focus needed to be sure all parties are on the same page.

How I apply a Procedural Pause in my processes

• I pause before I promise.
• I pause in the middle of my Design Development process.
• Prior to starting a project with my team.

We use it for any reason during remodeling

• Cutting out a beam or supporting structure.
• Setting up scaffolding or tall ladders. (when feet leave the earth)
• Working beneath other workers, or materials above you.
• Prior to doing demolition (including looking on the other side of walls)
• Swinging trusses.

Take it and run

You can expand upon the use any way you want. Incorporate it into your daily routine, and lead by example. You will likely reap the rewards in leaps and bounds elevating our profession in the process. The bottom line is that when you employ a professional remodeling contractor you can be assured that this is the sort of things we are grappling with to better serve our employees, trade partners, and our clients.

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Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor please contact me, you’ll be glad you did.

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