The colder months can be a challenging and hazardous time for the construction industry. Plummeting temperatures often lead to unpredictable weather conditions and construction firms can face a myriad of obstacles that threaten to disrupt projects, delay supply chains, and break budgets.
Whether it’s the impact of freezing conditions on materials or equipment or the danger of ice to site workers, winter can easily derail building work without the right precautions and measures in place.
To help protect your site and your workers from the perils of winter experts in construction ERP software have put together some practical tips to keep your projects on track and on time.
Focus on Procurement
Tracking orders placed with suppliers is vital for the smooth running of any construction project. However, with so many factors to consider, the process can be complex, particularly during winter when bad weather puts suppliers under added pressure to deliver materials and services on time. One way to mitigate these risks and keep projects on track and within budget is with construction procurement and purchase order software. Not only does it enable managers to monitor the likely availability of materials and equipment closely, but it will also take care of bulk and call-off orders, discounts, invoice 3-way matching, and more. Procurement software can also deliver significant cost savings for construction companies, ensuring materials arrive on time, and teams continue working on-site despite the winter conditions.
Adopt Anti-slip Measures
Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of construction site injuries, and the dangers only heighten when work takes place during winter months. Ice can form on scaffolding, stairs, ladders, and walkways, making them extremely slippery and hazardous for workers to navigate safely. To avoid injuries occurring keep all walkways, stairs, and working surfaces clear of snow and ice using effective de-icing agents such as grit, sand, and salt. Site managers should also introduce anti-slip grating where possible, and workers should be provided with slip-resistant footwear to reduce the risk of accidents further.
Go Digital with Delivery Notes
Winter is hazardous enough for delivery drivers without the additional pressure of obtaining signed copies of physical paperwork, also known as Goods Received Notes (GRN). These notes are frequently mislaid, ignored, or get so damaged they become ineligible, particularly when there’s snow and winter rain around. The best way to manage and organise this process is with a digital GRN Register which is one of the key features of construction management software. This enables site personnel and suppliers to send electronic documents directly so that finance teams no longer wait for documents to arrive by other means which can be prone to winter weather delays. It also stops essential documents from getting lost while providing real-time data about what materials are delivered, where, and when.
Improve Site Lighting
With fewer daylight hours in winter, construction sites must be well-lit to enhance visibility and keep workers safe during dark mornings and evenings. When teams struggle to see their surrounding area, they’re unlikely to see the dangerous hazards lurking in front of them. Installing tower lights across your site is an effective way to illuminate any potential dangers that could cause injuries. Even improving the lighting you already have will be beneficial for site workers and help keep projects on track.
Leverage Business Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is essential for managing construction projects effectively during winter given the unique challenges brought by extreme weather conditions and the potential disruption to supplies. With business analytics software, which forms part of ERP construction software solutions, construction firms have access to real-time information in easy-to-use, personalised dashboards, providing site managers with data at their fingertips so they can make better, informed decisions that will help projects remain on schedule.
Maintain Essential Equipment
All manual and mechanical site equipment should be properly maintained and regularly serviced to ensure optimal performance throughout the winter. This could mean setting fuel and hydraulic fuels at recommended levels and using winter-grade oils and lubricants to avoid equipment breaking down which could force work to grind to a halt, leading to expensive project delays.
Streamline Project Collaboration
Keeping all your teams informed and in sync across construction sites is one of the biggest challenges for the industry. Throw in harsh weather, an increased risk of hazards, and the greater need for personal safety and the job gets even tougher. For this reason, many companies use construction project collaboration software to communicate efficiently with teams and provide access to important documents on-site via mobile devices. This offers managers the opportunity to review real-time data of specific projects as well as an overview of all company activity which could face disruption from snow, ice, and other winter challenges. The software also enables clear communication between all parties, regardless of location or where they are based.
Provide Cold-Weather Clothing
It seems obvious, but construction workers must be protected against constant exposure to cold, wintry weather and provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPR) for the work they’re undertaking. Spending prolonged periods in sub-zero temperatures is detrimental to health and could lead to a rise in sick days and lower productivity. Therefore, essential items such as insulated clothing, warm jackets, gloves, and waterproof footwear will keep the cold at bay and help workers carry out their duties.
Make Early Morning Weather Checks
In winter, the first task of every construction site manager should be to check the weather forecast to identify changes that have the potential to cause major disruption to workflow. When wintry rain or snow unexpectedly arrives without notice or warning it will inevitably lead to project delays that could otherwise have been avoided. Closely monitoring the weather allows managers to predict extreme wintry conditions and provides them with valuable time to winterproof the building site so minimum disruption is caused. For example, tarpaulin will keep workspaces dry and covered, while warm break-out areas give workers a place to shelter from extreme conditions before tasks can restart.
Keep Service Roads Clear
Winter throws up logistical challenges for construction companies as roads can easily become blocked by snow and ice, causing delays in deliveries of materials and equipment. This can disrupt supply chains and cause a potential shortage of materials on-site, thus lengthening completion times and adding to project costs. Keeping transportation routes open and clear with regular gritting will enable projects to continue in harsh conditions. Similarly, leveraging ERP software to maintain open lines of communication with suppliers and subcontractors will help mitigate further problems that could arise.
Prepare for an Emergency
Managers should review and update all response plans in case of a site emergency in winter. That should involve the re-stocking of first-aid stations and supplies, while workers should receive appropriate training around emergency procedures and protocols. In the event of high winds and heavy snowfall forcing a temporary site shutdown, workers should also have access to safe, dry areas to avoid unnecessary injuries and further project delays.
From supply chain continuity to worker safety, winter poses unique challenges for the construction industry as a whole. However, with careful planning, smart decision-making, and the right tools such as construction management software, site managers can overcome these hurdles so that deadlines can be met, and projects completed on time.
Keeping Your Site Safe in Winter
Construction projects face numerous challenges during the winter months, from supply chain disruptions to hazardous working conditions. However, with proper planning and preparation, construction managers can mitigate many of these issues. Key strategies include implementing procurement software, anti-slip measures, digital delivery processes, improved lighting and analytics, equipment maintenance, collaboration tools, protective clothing, weather monitoring, and emergency response plans. By leveraging technology, data, and communication to enhance visibility and coordination, managers can keep projects on track despite wintry weather. Though winter inevitably poses difficulties, construction teams who are informed, equipped, and ready to respond can continue working safely and productively. With the right precautions in place, the cold months don’t have to put projects on ice.
