Experts are predicting an increasing number of
extreme weather events as a result of global climate change, an important
reason for construction firms to
look very closely at how they manage the risks associated with bad weather. Build the expectation of
bad weather into your planning this summer to keep projects moving and
profitable, Construction Global
writes.
The weatherman never lies
Recent events
have shown the severe impact that extreme weather can have. Heavy snowfall
during the 2010/11 winter period in Germany saw construction
output in the country decline by a staggering 24 percent. In France,
heavy rainfall in February 2012 forced many construction sites to suspend work,
delaying the country’s economic recovery from recession.
Across Europe the weather has become more
extreme, with wind speeds in Sweden predicted to increase by 0.8m/s per month
and winter rainfall to rise by 50mm per month over the next century. In the UK,
a recent study by BRE (Building Research
Establishment) predicted a six percent increase in wind speeds and every
site manager knows the effect that crane downtime as a result of wind can have
on productivity.
Plan for bad weather
A proactive and well-planned construction
project should allow for unforeseen weather conditions and have in place
measures on site designed to mitigate the effects, protect worker safety and
cut down on wasted materials and manpower. Construction project planning
software can help you to build this contingency into your project management.
A specially-tailored construction weather
forecasting service such as the one offered by the Met Office,
could provide invaluable advanced warning of bad weather to help plan for delays
or re-programme work accordingly.
Take protective measures
Rain on sites can create difficult working conditions for operatives,
potentially loosening their grip on tools and machinery and creating slippery
surfaces, leading to accidents. Site managers might therefore consider
installing protective sheeting around scaffolding, which can also mitigate
against wind, or temporary roofing structures.
In addition, polythene sheets can be used to cover construction materials to prevent water damage and straw-filled
matting and polyurethane foam used to protect materials from the effects of
frost and snow in the winter.
Understand your contractual obligations
If you are forced to stop work as a result of
bad weather and the project is delayed, you should understand your contractual
obligations in such a situation.
According to the solicitor Gullands, bad weather
is treated as a 'neutral' event under most building contracts. This means the builder is normally entitled to an
extension of time if the delay is likely to prolong the completion of works,
but not to payment for any loss or expense suffered as a result of the
stoppage.
In general, if a contract overruns, a
financial penalty is imposed on the builder. So, when a delay occurs as a
result of bad weather it is important to make an application to the contract
administrator for an extension of time on the basis that the delay was not
caused by you.
To ensure an extension of time is granted, you
must give full details of the delay and identify any event considered a
'Relevant Event' as well as estimate any delay to the completion of works
beyond the original completion date.
Takeaways
To limit the impact of bad weather on your construction project, make sure you do
the following: Build a contingency into your project plan to allow for
unexpected delays; protect your site from adverse weather conditions to prevent
accidents from occurring; understand your legal obligations in the event of bad
weather delaying your construction project; use construction project planning
software to manage any delays that are caused by bad weather.
For more information click HERE.
OCTAGON CONTRACTING & ENGINEERING
Phone: (+4)021.232.39.20
