Foreign Engineer Transforms Construction Sites into 'Accessible Environments for Everyone'

Hashimoto Gumi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President/CEO: Masanori Hashimoto) is pleased to announce that Hoang Lien Manh, who served as the site manager for the 'National Route 150 Bridge Seismic Retrofitting Project (Shin-Setogawa Bridge Pier Reinforcement),' has been honored by the Shizuoka Prefecture Civil Engineering Construction Management Association. The project also received the 'Construction Monozukuri Award' (Excellence Award) for its outstanding construction management.

■ Project Achievements: Construction Monozukuri Excellence Award
This project involved reinforcing the piers of the Shin-Setogawa Bridge on National Route 150 to prevent earthquake damage. Working in the constrained environment of a riverbed, the team ensured safety and quality while managing fluctuating water levels and limited workspace. As a result, the project was recognized for its high level of construction management and quality assurance.

■ Construction Management Initiatives
To achieve the required millimeter-level precision, the team focused on thorough risk assessment and improved construction planning. By utilizing 3D measurement technology, they ensured construction accuracy and maintained a comprehensive view of the entire project timeline.

■ Presentation and Recognition: Association Awards
Hoang Lien Manh presented his construction management approach based on his experience with this project. He visualized the 10-month construction process through video, making technical content easy to understand. This presentation earned him both the Association Award and the Presentation Award from the Civil Engineering Construction Management Association.

■ Addressing Communication Challenges with Foreign Talent
As the construction industry faces labor shortages and relies more on foreign talent, language barriers have become a significant challenge. Hashimoto Gumi has made 'creating a site that everyone can understand' a priority, rethinking how information is communicated on-site alongside advanced construction management.

■ Creating a 'Site Understandable to Everyone'
Hoang Lien Manh arrived in Japan in 2017 and gained extensive experience on local sites. Recalling his early struggles with understanding Japanese signs and notices, he has focused on creating sites that are intuitive for everyone. By using photos, diagrams, and illustrations, and incorporating multiple languages and hiragana, he has made information accessible to foreigners and children alike, leading to improved safety and smoother community communication.

■ Comment from Site Manager Hoang Lien Manh
'I am very happy to receive this award. This presentation was a great opportunity to reflect on my work and learn a lot. My early experience of feeling anxious because I couldn't read signs has led to the site management style I use today. I feel my growth as I gain experience in Japan. I will continue to approach each project with care and strive for better construction.'

■ Future Outlook: Standardizing Multicultural Construction Management
Hashimoto Gumi intends to move beyond this single case study by standardizing multicultural construction management methods, visual and multilingual communication, and the training of young and foreign engineers. We aim to achieve sustainable construction sites through improved technical skills, safety, and advanced communication.