Business

Ensuring Smooth Construction Sites During Coronavirus

The coronavirus crisis has changed the way that we live our lives in all areas. For the construction industry, the start of the pandemic and the subsequent countrywide lockdown that lasted for a while, meant that there was a real need to look at how the different processes of a construction site worked, how the supply chain could be maintained and how schedules could be committed to and completed with as little disruption as possible. There were a few guidelines at the time, that have become important again as the country has gone into a second lockdown in the run up to the Christmas and New Year period. How should construction sites behave and how can they ensure that relationships remain strong with plant lease companies that ensure smooth transition and delivery of machinery and equipment to sites across the country?

When the lockdown was first announced and that only essential and key work could carry on, back in March, the construction industry was worried about what would happen next. What happened was that construction sites could remain open during lockdown, maintaining the economic progress that they are facilitating with new build sites across the country. This could only happen though, if construction sites implemented new social distancing rules and other protections for site workers. The contractor on any given site is responsible for the safety of all employees working on site, which is the norm anyway, but now brings with it added responsibility to withstand the pressures of lockdown, social distancing and warding off the spread of Covid-19.

The key to safe working conditions on construction sites during the pandemic is that contractors have clear lines of communication with all employers and sub-contractors, working out a clear and safe way that all can work within the new restrictions that must be put into place for a site to remain open. In terms of the contracts of a project, it might not be feasible to just close down a site, with notices for delay and loss and expense all key considerations to make.

Site security and safety still lies with the main contractor of the project, until a site is closed down. Measures of social distancing must be put in place prior to a site opening for a new project within the new restrictions. These restrictions must also take into consideration any deliveries of plant machinery that have been agreed within plant leasing contracts. It might be better to work with plant hire companies that have a plant leasing depot close to your location, to minimise the disruption and the wait-time linked to delivery, when all other restrictions are in place. This can be discussed in further detail with your plant hire company of choice and their expert advice will be invaluable at this time.

There are a few different regulations to follow when it comes to work on a construction site at the best of times. With the coronavirus pandemic, these restrictions and regulations have tightened and although it is still possible to make progress and continue working on site in a safe and effective manner. Where this becomes a greater possibility is where you already have processes and stringent protocols in place, including a robust supply chain that includes a good plant leasing company that can provide you with everything that you need in a timely manner, meeting demand, accounting for potential breakdowns and having a plan in place to help provide solutions to any potential problems. This can be in the form of national plant lease depots, a fast repair and replacement system, and a huge fleet of options that allow you to be much more precise during the ordering process of a plant hire contract during coronavirus times.

With a proven record in all aspects of civil construction, Hannon Civil NZ is your one-stop shop for all your civil construction needs. Hannon Civil NZ offers a full range of civil construction services.

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