Construction foreman

A construction foreman is the worker or tradesman who is in charge of a construction crew. While traditionally this role has been assumed by a senior male worker, the title in the modern sense is gender non-specific in intent. Normally the foreman is a construction worker with many years of experience in a particular trade who is charged with organizing the overall construction of a particular project. Typically the foreman is a person with specialist knowledge of a given trade who has moved into the position and is now focused on an overall management of all trades rather than any particular specialized group.

A good foreman is said by many engineers to be the keystone of their projects. Foremen are best understood as Project Managers who have come to that position after experience as a construction worker, as opposed to an individual who has followed a professional project management development program (for example a Lean Six Sigma Certificate).

Specifically, a foreman may train employees under his or her supervision, ensure appropriate use of equipment by employees, communicate progress on the project to a supervisor and maintain the employee schedule.^[1] Foremen may also arrange for materials to be at the construction site and evaluate plans for each construction job.^[2]

References

1. ^ "Foreman". Job Description. City of Council Bluffs, IA. http://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/documents/JD-Pub-Wrks-Foreman.PDF. 
2. ^ Cheung, Zin. "Keys to Success and Safety for the Construction Foreman: An Ergonomic Approach to Cost Reduction". Online pamphlet. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/foremanweb.pdf. Retrieved April 16, 2011. 

See also

• Construction
• Civil engineering