How Does Weather Affect Construction Productivity?
Statistically, only 6% of the workforce belongs to construction workers. In the US alone, 36% of deaths have been due to heat-related incidents during the past few years.
Whether hot or cold, windy or humid, weather is the most significant factor affecting construction productivity negatively. Different forms of weather will have a different impact on a site’s productivity.
For example, a study has indicated that even slight rain or precipitation can significantly impact construction productivity. The average loss can range from 40 to 65%. In the same way, studies have concluded that low temperatures can contribute to low productivity levels in the construction sector.
Monitoring weather forecasts is not a hassle anymore with modern-day technology, with many software platforms making monitoring weather forecasts easier. Using technological solutions, you can monitor weather forecasts and generate summaries of your work site in detail.
Annually, the construction industry suffers billions of dollars of loss due to bad weather. To avoid huge economic losses, it’s crucial to understand how weather affects construction productivity. Here, we discuss how and why weather can affect the construction industry.
How does weather affect construction productivity?
Lack of labor due to unusual weather
Weather can impact labor in several ways. Delay in construction projects due to rough weather is not uncommon, especially if the weather is highly destructive. This may cause project managers to hire more workers than usual to ensure that they have enough staff to complete the job.
According to a report, there’s a 10 to 15% loss in productivity when the temperature at the work sites is at least -10 degrees. Additionally, workers may choose to take other employment opportunities simply because they don’t want to work during a storm or during extreme temperatures. Overall, adverse weather conditions can negatively impact construction labor availability.
Storms damaging construction equipment
If the weather is too hot or cold, workers may not use construction equipment as often as it can be dangerous. Most of the time, workers might avoid using heavy equipment in such situations, therefore decreasing construction productivity.
Another primary reason for the drop in construction productivity is when construction equipment is out of work due to extreme weather conditions. It may be harder to find replacements in such cases, and repairs may take more time than usual.
Shortage of construction materials due to flooding
Weather can also significantly impact construction productivity by affecting the amount of materials available for use in construction. For example, flooding can cause a shortage of materials, such as gravel, sand, and stone.
Delayed deadlines due to weather conditions
In the construction industry, delays in deadlines can be a real pain. The problem is that most delays are weather-related. From rain to snow to high winds, the weather is unpredictable. This makes it very difficult for contractors and building owners to predict when they will complete their projects.
Winds or tornadoes disrupting construction sites
When winds are high, they can blow away objects, interrupting the construction process. Tornadoes can also be a disruptive force, as they can destroy buildings and equipment.
The damage caused by wind and tornadoes is not limited to economic loss. It can also affect the people involved in the construction process. In some cases, workers are injured or even killed during the construction process.
Employees not able to work due to dry heat
If you have ever worked in the construction industry, you probably know the hassle of humidity and extreme heat.
If you’re working outside and your work requires you to use heavy equipment or machinery, the weather can make a big difference in how productive you are. Most often, dust and hot temperatures accompany dry heat. This in turn, limits labor on site and adversely affects productivity.
Hot weather can lead to heat strokes
Hot weather conditions often hinder construction productivity through heat strokes, a severe health complication resulting from exposure to high temperatures for an extended period of time.
Heat strokes can occur when the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Because of this, you might run short on labor and miss deadlines. To increase construction productivity, construction workers must take the time to plan ahead and prepare for all possible weather conditions.
How to avoid weather-related casualties on construction sites
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Often, construction sites are located in remote areas, far from the urban areas, making them more prone to natural disasters. Below are some quick tips to avoid weather-related casualties on construction sites.
Proper clothing
When working on construction sites, you should always wear proper clothing. If you don’t, you may not be ready to handle an unexpected change in weather. You wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared. Avoid wearing the wrong type of clothing to avoid excessive heat, wetness, or coldness.
Review weather forecasts
When planning a construction project, it’s always wise to consider the weather. While the sun can be a blessing for some projects, it can be a disaster for others.
Many weather forecasting companies provide detailed weather reports for construction sites. Constructors or project management teams should review these forecasts to determine the effect of weather conditions on their projects. Furthermore, they should also consider what steps to take to minimize impact.
The bottom line
Weather can be the most unpredictable thing on a construction site. Adverse weather conditions can have a significant impact on construction productivity. Therefore, it’s vital to adopt safety protocols such as weather monitoring tools for improvement.
