Enforcement is imminent! Is "work style reform" progressing in preparation for the 2024 problem in the construction industry?
Work style reforms, such as working from home and staggered working hours, seem to have progressed rapidly during the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, long working hours due to a shortage of human resources have been a problem in the construction industry for many years. This time, we have summarized the current status of ``work style reform'' in the construction industry, the ``2024 problem,'' and the national response.
What is the 2024 problem for the construction industry?
From April 1, 2024, overtime work cap regulations with penalties will be applied to the construction industry, and the upper limit for overtime work will, in principle, be 45 hours per month and 360 hours per year. The various obstacles that arise along with this, including a shortage of human resources, are the so-called "2024 problem."
In the construction industry, long working hours have been a long-standing issue due to a shortage of human resources and an aging population. The cap on overtime work with penalties has been applied to other industries since April 2019, but in light of the current situation, a five-year grace period has been granted.
“Construction Industry Work Style Reform Acceleration Program” formulated by the government
In order to overcome this situation, the ``Construction Industry Work Style Reform Acceleration Program'' was formulated.
The measures are
- Initiatives to correct long working hours
- Initiatives related to salary and social insurance
- Initiatives to improve productivity
It is divided into three main parts.
Let's look at each initiative in more detail.
1. Initiatives to correct long working hours
- Taking the initiative to secure two days off per week for public construction work
- In order to ensure two days off per week for public construction and smooth construction, we will introduce compensation for labor costs and review the compensation rates for common temporary construction costs and site management costs.
- Actively evaluate companies that have achieved two-day weekends and companies that promote the active participation of women.
- Visualize excellent sites as models
- Formulation of “Guidelines for Setting Appropriate Construction Periods, etc.” and Promoting Initiatives
2. Initiatives regarding salary and social insurance
- Requesting organizations related to ordering and construction industry organizations to utilize labor unit prices and secure wage levels.
- Established a competency evaluation system to ensure salaries commensurate with skills and experience
- Promoting the spread of mutual aid retirement benefits in the construction industry
- Requesting the ordering party to limit the number of companies, including subcontractors, to those covered by social insurance.
- Established a system that does not allow construction business permits and renewals to those who are not enrolled in social insurance.
3. Initiatives to improve productivity
- Supporting construction companies working to improve productivity
- Improve work efficiency by digitizing procedures, etc.
- Promoting efficient use of limited human resources and materials, such as considering rationalization of engineer allocation requirements
- Considering measures to reduce the number of subcontractors to improve the multilayer subcontracting structure
What ACT-ONE Yamaichi can help you with
In this way, the government is implementing various initiatives, and at our company, ACT-ONE Yamaichi, we hope to play a part in the construction industry's ``work style reform'' by doing the following.
Suggesting the most suitable equipment for the site
As professionals in temporary equipment, we reduce the burden on sales and on-site staff at construction equipment rental companies and temporary equipment rental companies by providing information on when and what kind of temporary equipment is needed.
Equipment briefing session held at our company
We hold equipment briefing sessions from time to time, providing a place for you to experience, touch, assemble, and use the equipment we handle. By helping our customers become more familiar with our equipment, we enable them to carry out on-site work safely and comfortably.
Accompanying the sales activities of a construction equipment rental company
As a wholesale rental company, we accompany construction equipment rental companies and temporary rental companies in their sales activities and support rental equipment procurement operations.
Although various efforts are being made by the national and local governments, ``work style reform'' in the construction industry has only just begun. As a wholesale rental company, we feel that there is still much we can do to help. If you have any questions regarding construction equipment, please feel free to contact us at any time.
*The published photo is an image.
*All article contents are based on cases in Japan.