Research + Tech

ICC releases recommendations for remote virtual inspections

The International Code Council® has published “Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections.” Based on study, research and discussions from ICC’s membership, partners and industry experts, the document provides guidelines governmental jurisdictions may consider for an effective remote virtual inspections program.

As technology transforms the building and construction industries and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, successful remote virtual inspections are needed more than ever. Remote virtual inspections use visual or electronic aids that allow inspectors to observe construction projects, products or materials from a distance. Remote inspections are beneficial when materials or buildings are inaccessible or in dangerous environments, preventing an in-person inspection. The implementation of remote virtual inspections also can save time and money by eliminating the need for inspectors to travel to and from job sites.

A clear understanding of the requirements for remote inspections and regular communication throughout the process by all parties involved is paramount to a successful inspection. The document outlines remote virtual inspection best practices, including scheduling, customer preparation, job-site identification, and results and records maintenance.

“With a properly implemented remote virtual inspections program, building safety professionals can overcome the variety of challenges brought on by the pandemic and continue providing services to keep buildings safe and resilient,” says Dominic Sims, ICC’s CEO. “While this practice has popularized in the midst of COVID-19 social distancing, remote virtual inspections are likely to become a routine tool for the future.”

“Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections” can be downloaded at shop.iccsafe.org.

Procore launches online construction job board

Construction industry employers and job seekers now can use the Construction Career Board to find workers and job opportunities, according to constructiondive.com. The Construction Career Board is an online construction job recruitment resource created by construction management software provider Procore.

The platform allows contractors and other construction businesses to post job opportunities for free. When an employer looks for a new hire, the Procore job board automatically distributes the job posting to other online career boards such as Glassdoor, BirdDog Jobs and Indeed. Employers receive emails when applications are received. The job boards are available in English and Spanish.

Individuals looking for new positions can upload their resumes and search for available jobs that match their skill sets. Positions range from accounting and marketing to electricians and carpenters. Users also can customize their experiences by signing up for email alerts when jobs are posted matching their area, experience and other criteria.

Connecting construction companies with skilled tradespeople looking for work has been an ongoing industry challenge. Many construction employers are searching for new workers despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

This spring, 40% of construction firms had to lay off or furlough workers because of the pandemic, amounting to more than 500,000 lost jobs in construction, according to a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, the industry has continued to add jobs since then, and the Construction Career Board is intended to help employers and workers find each other.

“Construction has been greatly impacted by the pandemic, and Procore wants to support the industry as best we can,” Procore CEO Tooey Courtemanche said in a statement.

The Construction Career Board is available at procoreconstructionjobboard.birddoghr.com.

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