How MMC is Making Construction Safer

In the bustling world of construction, safety is paramount.

While traditional building methods have stood the test of time, they’re not without risks. Enter Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – an innovative change in the methods and processes of creating stylish and functional buildings.

Here at Studio Anyo, we believe MMC is the future of this industry, and have seen first-hand how it is drastically transforming how we approach building projects and, more importantly, how we prioritise safety in this ever-evolving industry.

In this blog, we’re going to delve a little deeper into this, focusing on just what makes MMC such a great option when it comes to safety.

Let’s take a look.

The Challenges of Traditional Construction Methods

Let’s start at the beginning, and with some of the safety concerns that are related to more traditional construction methods.

Construction has always been a high-stakes game, teetering on the edge of innovation and risk.

Traditional methods, while reliable, come with a myriad of safety issues. The unpredictability of on-site construction, influenced by weather, human error, and hazardous working conditions, has historically led to a higher incidence of accidents.

In fact, according to Construction Industry Statistics, the industry accounts for a significant percentage of workplace injuries and fatalities, underscoring the need for safer practices.

While many steps are always taken to ensure worksites are as safe as possible, accidents do happen, and anything we can do to minimise the chance of this happening is a good thing. That’s where MMC comes in.

What is MMC?

So, what exactly is MMC?

It’s a broad term encompassing various techniques like prefabrication, modular construction, and 3D printing, to name a few.

These methods shift much of the construction process from the site to controlled factory environments.

But it’s not just about building parts off-site; it’s a holistic approach that integrates innovative design, technology, and sustainability, fundamentally changing how buildings come to life.

Key Ways MMC is Enhancing Safety

There are many ways MMC is enhancing safety, and here are five key ones:

• Reducing On-Site Risks: By moving significant portions of construction off-site, MMC minimises the duration and complexity of on-site work. This transition not only speeds up the construction process but also dramatically reduces the exposure to traditional site-related risks.

• Quality Control: The controlled factory setting inherent in MMC allows for unparalleled quality control. Structures and components are built to precise specifications, reducing the likelihood of faults that could lead to safety concerns further down the line. The fact this is all done in a controlled environment also allows for better safety procedures to be upheld, compared to on a site.

• Better Material Handling: The traditional construction site is a combination of heavy lifting and manual labour, often the root cause of on-the-job injuries. MMC’s prefabricated elements mean less manual handling of materials on-site, lowering the risk of accidents. All parts should slot together with ease, ensuring a smooth process without any hitches.

• Technological Integration: The fusion of technology in MMC, such as AI, drones, and virtual reality, brings an additional layer of safety. These tools allow for better planning, monitoring, and troubleshooting, ensuring that potential hazards are identified and mitigated before they become problems. It also reduces the chance of human error which can cause issues.

• Less Congested Sites: Problems can happen when building sites are congested. With components being fabricated off-site, there is less need for the storage of materials and less machinery on site. This leads to less chance of accidents and injuries as there is always plenty of space to move around.

The Future of Construction Safety with MMC

The trajectory of MMC points toward a future where construction safety is not just an afterthought but a foundational aspect.

Experts predict that as MMC becomes more mainstream, we’ll witness a significant decline in construction-related accidents.

Moreover, as technology evolves, the scope for safer, more efficient building methods is limitless.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its advantages, MMC isn’t without its challenges.

High initial costs, the need for skilled labour, and resistance to change in a traditionally conservative industry are some hurdles.

Furthermore, as with any new method, there’s a learning curve associated with adopting MMC, emphasising the need for continued research and development to ensure each new step taking is one that maintains a high level of safety.

While these are challenges now, every year more and more businesses in the construction industry are taking steps towards adopting MMC on a more widespread level.

The efficiency it can add to a project, combined with a strong level of safety, is what makes this stand out as a field that many builders and architects in are interested in delving into.

Studio Anyo

As we navigate through the complexities of modern construction, MMC stands out as a game-changer in enhancing safety.

Here at Studio Anyo, we have worked on projects across the world and provided expert advice on how MMC can help to create stunning buildings that are packed with substance and style.

Some examples of this include working with Citizen M on their Tower of London project, as well as well as being MMC advisors and designers on the Marlin Hotel.

By embracing these innovative methods, the industry is not just building structures but is also constructing a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in construction, one thing is clear: safety is no longer a choice but a cornerstone in this new era of building.

Want to know more? Or if you want to speak with an MMC expert about your next project, then get in touch today.