From day one, the Plungie business model has been developed to help deliver efficiencies in the installation of a pool, which in turn has helped improve the operation of many builders and developers. Cost effectiveness is just one part of the formula - Plungie pools are pre-cast offsite, contributing to the reduction of occupational hazards, on-site distractions and construction delays.
There is growing research from overseas construction markets, like the UK, which has shown that offsite production significantly increases safety on work sites. Construction sites can experience up to 20% reduction in health and safety (H&S) hazards when adopting offsite assembly.
THE RESEARCH
The UK study, called the Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes (AIMCH) Report explored the health and safety risk profiling of two types of construction modes: Assembly On-Site vs Pre-Assembled Offsite. At its core, the study investigated the differences in standards experienced during the installation of flooring and windows in the building of residential homes.
THE FINDINGS
The study concluded that by using offsite assembly methods, there is a 20% reduction of H&S hazard exposure, compared to using on-site methods. Throughout the study, it was evident that by using offsite pre-assembled parts, this sped up the installation and reduced hazard exposure including manual handling, material movement and trips and falls, compared to site-fitted activity.
SHIFTING RISKS
There is acknowledgement that pre-assembled offsite production doesn’t eliminate the risk of hazard and injuries, however the reduction in risk by offsite manufacturing is achieved by better managed occupational H&S practises. While crane usage does carry its own risks, the reduction in the number of people on-site and the controlled processes to install the pre-assembled equipment brings benefit.
THE PLUNGIE DIFFERENCE
Plungie’s range of pools are all pre-cast offsite and arrive for builders to install quickly and easily. Instead of taking days to fill your site with concrete and ‘constructing’ your pool, a pre-built Plungie pool saves you the stress and reduces risk so that all you need to worry about is having the site prepared.
Constructing the pool offsite, H&S hazards, such as manual handling, movement of materials and slips and trips are significantly reduced for site workers. As mentioned above, offsite assembly doesn’t remove all risks, with strict protocols in place to ensure Plungie pools are safely lifted with a crane before placing it onto the concrete base footing.
With a Plungie pool in your next build or project, you and your client can enjoy results that are delivered on time, even if there’s more than one pool ear-marked for installation. View our latest success story, with 7 Plungie pools installed before lunchtime at Marlowe Residences in Runaway Bay, Queensland by Sandbox Properties and Hutchinson Builders.
