Routledge Handbook on Labour in Construction and Human Settlements presents a detailed and comprehensive examination of the relationship between labour and the built environment, and synergises these critical focus areas in innovative ways. This unrivalled edited collection of chapters analyses problems and presents possible solutions related to the employment and conditions of workers in the construction industry. It provides comprehensive coverage of the relationship between the global workforce and the built environment and is divided into four topical areas: how labour and the built environment relate to development; employment generation in the built environment; quality of employment in the built environment; and the impact of the built environment on labour in other sectors. Underpinning the entire book is the premise that the way the built environment is produced, and its main products – buildings, cities and towns – have an impact on large numbers of workers. At the same time, the quality of the built environment requires construction workers who are well trained and with good working conditions. While cities and towns are the engines of economic growth, they will not be able to fulfil their economic potential if poverty in the workforce is not addressed. Those who are unemployed, underemployed or work in unfavourable conditions cannot fully contribute to production, and at the same time are limited in their ability to purchase goods and services – therefore limiting economic growth and restricting improvements in their living standards. In addition, investments in infrastructure, housing and inner-city redevelopment cannot be sustainable if labour issues – i.e., poverty – are not addressed. This book aims at analysing this complex set of issues comprehensively and will be essential reading to a wide range of researchers across the interdisciplinary intersections of construction, business and management, economic development, urban studies, sociology, political science and project management.

This authoritative guide promotes safe, healthy andnon-exploitative working conditions for the construction industry.It combines theoretical analysis and case-studies from around theworld, offering recommendations for best practice. The book results from a project funded by the GenevaInternational Academic Network, with staff from the InternationalLabour Office and the University of Geneva. It presents anddiscusses the challenges and potential of local authorities topromote decent work in construction. Existing literature on decent work focuses mainly on the rolesand responsibilities of actors in the private sector but thecontribution of the public sector should not be ignored. Localauthorities play a crucial role in economic development through arange of policies and programmes in the construction sector andrelated services. Labour Conditions for Construction: decent work, buildingcities & the role of local authorities includes amethodology that combines quantitative and qualitative information.It defines and validates a set of criteria to evaluate the capacityof local authorities, combining criteria about decent work, theconstruction sector and the policies and programmes of the localauthority in each case study city. The book fills an important gap in focussing on the role oflocal authorities in creating and promoting decent work and will beof interest to managers and policy-makers in construction, healthand safety and labour relations as well as to researchers andstudents in construction management.

To make employment and training or other community benefits key outcomes of a public expenditure programme, they need to be incorporated into the specification of what is being purchased or funded. The legislative and the policy frameworks for doing this are complex and there has been a lack of detailed guidance, especially in relation to UK policy and legislation, the European Treaty and EC Procurement Directives. In this report the understanding of procurement issues has been furthered by discussions with the Treasury and the Office of Government Commerce. It provides, for the first time, clear guidance on these matters. Specifically, it: - vbTab]details the relevant policy and legal frameworks;- vbTab]sets out procedures that can be used;- vbTab]suggests support that needs to be provided;- vbTab]gives examples of good practice.

The Construction Chart Book presents the most complete data available on all facets of the U.S. construction industry: economic, demographic, employment/income, education/training, and safety and health issues. The book presents this information in a series of 50 topics, each with a description of the subject matter and corresponding charts and graphs. The contents of The Construction Chart Book are relevant to owners, contractors, unions, workers, and other organizations affiliated with the construction industry, such as health providers and workers compensation insurance companies, as well as researchers, economists, trainers, safety and health professionals, and industry observers.

Thomas and Ellis provide detailed, straightforward management practices to improve construction site activity and reduce losses in labor productivity from the most common site challenges.

Every major industry except construction uses logistics to improve its bottom line... Poor logistics is costing the construction industry at least £3 billion a year according to a report – ‘Improving Construction Logistics’ – published by the Strategic Forum for Construction. Additional costs arise as a result of operatives waiting for materials, and skilled craftsmen being used for unskilled jobs. Inadequate management of logistics also has an adverse effect on quality, causes delays to projects, and adds to the health and safety risks on site. This practical book highlights the benefits of good logistics as well as the use of consolidation centres on projects. It shows how reduction in transport movements, less money tied up in stock, less waste, and the more efficient use of skilled craftsmen will reduce the cost of projects, reduce construction time, improve quality, reduce risks to health and safety, improve environmental performance and generally improve the image of the industry. The authors offer practical ways of achieving these benefits through integrated project teams and supply chains and the increased adoption of information technology including electronic communications, bar coding, and electronic tagging for tracing products. They also show how specific roles for each part of the industry can help to improve logistics. • Practical, clear and accessible • First book to address logistics in construction • Written by the industry-recognized logistics experts • Tackles issues of key concern: efficient use of labour; sustainability; waste and supply chain management