Clerks of works, also known as Site Inspectors, Site Supervisors or Building Quality Officers,
monitor the work of companies that carry out contracts for their employer or client. Examples
of such contracts include erecting buildings, constructing roads, installing pipelines and
maintaining estates.
Their main responsibility is to make sure that work is carried out to the client's standards,
specification and schedule. In most cases, the specifications are prepared by architects or
engineers employed by the client. Clerks of Works make sure that the correct materials and
workmanship are used and that the client is given quality work and value for money.
Clerks of Works are either on site all the time or make regular visits. They need to be vigilant
in their inspections of a large range of technical aspects of the work.
This involves:
· becoming familiar with all the relevant drawings and written instructions, checking them,
and using them as a reference when inspecting the work
· making visual inspections
· taking measurements and samples on site to make sure that the work and the materials
meet the specifications and quality standards
· being familiar with legal requirements and checking that the work complies with them.
· having a working knowledge of health and safety legislation and bring any shortfalls
observed to the attention of the person(s) concerned.
Clerks of Works are not only inspectors but also superintendents. This means that they can
advise the contractor about certain aspects of the work, particularly if something has gone
wrong. They can also agree to minor changes. They cannot, though, give advice that could be
interpreted as an instruction, particularly if this would lead to additional expense.
They keep detailed records of various aspects of the work, which they put together in regular
reports for the architect or planner and the client.
Records include details of:
· progress and any delays
· the number and type of workers employed
· weather conditions
· visitors to the site
· drawings received
· deliveries
· instructions
· details of any significant events including any serious deficiencies in health or safety
performance observed while on site.
Clerks of Works liaise closely with the contractor's staff. They must, however, maintain their
independence, as they are responsible for working in the best interests of their employer or
client.
If the work involves maintenance, alterations or additions to buildings by directly employed
workers, Clerks of Works may be responsible for supervising them.Some Clerks of Works specialise in particular areas such as building, civil engineering or mechanical and electrical installations
