Investigation of Plant and Equipment Operators in Building Construction Projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The construction industry, which is a labour intensive and skill development of the industry would yield both economic and social returns to the national economy. Among other occupational categories, there is a significant demand for the plant and equipment (P&E) operators in the construction industry. Nevertheless, limited numbers of research are available on the said area. Hence, the aim of this paper is to investigate the status of P&E operators in Sri Lankan building construction projects. Accordingly, this study encompassed a qualitative research approach, and six semi-structured expert interviews were conducted as the data collection tool. The study revealed that mainly two categories of P&E as moveable and immovable and further identified subcategories under each. Based on the results, occupational map was developed for the P&E operators in building construction projects in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study revealed that technical and mechanical skills as an essential input for an efficient P& E operator. Moreover, the paper discussed issues with P & E operators. Accordingly, inconsistency, taking long leave, poor health conditions, less experience, and less motivation were identified as prominent issues.

Analysing the skill gaps of plant and equipment operators in building construction projects in Sri Lanka

“…In every construction, P&E is built to perform a specific function. The selection of different types of P&E depends on the size of the work and the project's economy, making the construction process easier and faster (Waidyasekara, Ridmika, Sandagomika, & Konara, 2021). These plants come in various sizes and perform a variety of tasks.…”

“…Cranes, forklift trucks, beakers, compacters, concreting plants, earth-moving plants, and piling plants are some of the main plants and equipment utilised in the Sri Lankan construction industry (Basnayake & Premathilaka, 2015). According to the study conducted by Waidyasekara et al (2021), the P&E have been identified under major two categories of movable and immovable. Accordingly, the earth moving machine, piling machine, crane, lifting equipment, generator machine, compressor, compacting machine, and vehicles have been identified under movable P&E while the Asphalt plant, Batching plant, Crusher plant, and Sand feeding machines have been highlighted under the immovable plant and machinery operators.…”

“…Immovable Plant and Machinery Operators (Asphalt plant, Batching plant, Crusher plant, Sand feeding, etc.) (Source: Waidyasekara et al, 2021) According to the occupational map developed by Waidyasekara et al (2021), the P&E operator categorisation has been highlighted majorly under movable and immovable P&E operators as extracted above. Since the abovementioned categorisation has considered as the basis of main P&E operator categories, earth-moving equipment operators, piling machine operators, crane operators, lifting equipment operators, generator operators, compressor operators, compacting equipment operators, vehicle-driver, and immovable plant and machinery operators have been considered in this manuscript.…”

“…Plant or equipment operating skills, safe working skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, organising skills, and reading and interpretational skills are the sets of skills expected from P&E operators (Basnayake & Premathilaka, 2015).This study has adopted sixteen skills for P&E operators by considering the skills above identified by several researchers worldwide, as elaborated in Table 2. According to Waidyasekara et al (2021), several skills necessary for P&E operators have been highlightedsuch as technical skills, mechanical skills, maintenance skills, analytical skills, preventive maintenance skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, IT skills, and health and safety skills. In addition to that, the authors have highlighted the importance of some other skills, namely organising skills, documentation skills, language literacy, punctuality, communication skills, proper ethical behaviour, planning skills, smartness of handling machines, and teamwork.…”

“…In addition to that, the authors have highlighted the importance of some other skills, namely organising skills, documentation skills, language literacy, punctuality, communication skills, proper ethical behaviour, planning skills, smartness of handling machines, and teamwork. Accordingly, Table 2 has been developed by incorporating the findings of Waidyasekara et al(2021) as the basis for this paper.…”