Construction sites are usually hectic places. Noisy and busy, with potential dangers always lurking, clear and reliable communication is essential, both for productivity and safety.

Walkie-talkies are the perfect communication tool when it comes to construction sites. This guide details the main advantages that walkie-talkies bring to construction sites.

1. Communication is instant

In today’s world of smartphones and messaging, it is easy to forget just how effective a walkie-talkie is at speeding up communications.

There is no need to hunt through contacts before dialling, only to find there is no signal. It is as simple as pressing a button, and communication channels are open. This is particularly useful when trying to choreograph large tasks over distances.

2. Simplicity is key

It doesn’t get simpler to use than a walkie-talkie. Simply key the communicate button, and you’re good to go. There is no need to train workers in the operation of a walkie-talkie. Even more, advanced walkie-talkies that boast features such as GPS and messaging only need a quick walkthrough.

3. Designed to be up for the task

Unlike smartphones that seem to break at the drop of a hat, commercial walkie-talkies are designed with the rigours of the workplace in mind. Many models are completely waterproof, and most commercial walkie-talkies offer a robustness that means they can survive the best destructive efforts of even the most ham-fisted operators.

4. A one-off free

There are no hidden charges with walkie-talkies – Unlike mobile phones, which have ongoing associated costs, walkie-talkies need no contracts, there are no data or call charges. Once you have purchased the set, your expenses are over. This makes them a far more cost-effective method than any other solution.

5. Battery Life

Work shouldn’t have to stop every time a battery needs to be charged. Walkie-talkies are great for battery life. Although the actual length of time it will last depends on usage, in most cases, a fully charged walkie-talkie will easily last a full workday on a single charge.

6. Clear communication

In a business where communication is essential, walkie-talkies fit the bill exactly. Good commercial walkie-talkies offer fantastic clarity over long ranges. Certainly, within the confines of even the largest construction site, the clarity of communication they offer is unbeatable.

7. Doesn’t require a network

On remote sites without a mobile signal, mobile telephones simply aren’t an option. Walkie-talkies for construction work anywhere and are not reliant on mobile networks. This gives them a consistency of operation that allows them to be factored into any job without having to worry about whether they will work onsite or not.

8. Increased productivity

Crucially, sites that have access to instant and clear communication are more efficient than those that don’t. Construction sites often require tight lines of communication between different areas, for instance, while organising lifts with cranes.

By providing reliable communication, walkie-talkies increase the efficient working of construction sites, and this increases productivity.

9. Cost-effective

Walkie-talkies cost less to buy than mobile phones. Straight away, this is a saving. But also, several workers can share a radio, which further cuts costs. Finally, because they are more robust than just about all smartphones and won’t go out of date. They won’t need replacing as often.

10. Safety

Last but certainly not least, is the safety aspect that walkie-talkies bring to the construction sites. Safety is crucial on construction sites. These are dangerous working environments, and anything that adds an element of safety is a massive benefit.

Most walkie-talkies offer a host of safety features, including:

• Emergency Button – A simple and easily reached button that can be activated by a worker when they are in trouble.
• Man-down feature – This is a simple feature that detects unusual movement that could be attributed to a fall. In these cases, it will send out a distress signal unless it is cancelled by the operator.
• Lone Worker – Lone workers are the most vulnerable on a construction site. The lone worker function on walkie-talkies is designed to minimise this risk. It works by requiring the worker to depress the transmit button at preset time intervals. The walkie talkie will sound a reminder when this is required. If the worker doesn’t respond, then an alarm is transmitted to the other radios.

Conclusion

Walkie-talkies make the ideal communication tool for construction sites. Clear communication is provided by radios that are built to withstand the rough and tumble environment of a construction site.

As well as providing crystal clear communication without additional costs, they also enhance the safety of the workplace.

If you want to know more about how walkie-talkies can benefit a construction site, contact us today and have a chat with one of our experts.