Two tips for carrying out construction work in poor weather

19 June 2017
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


Construction work is frequently performed outdoors; as a result of this, the progress of a construction project can be severely affected by rain, wind and low temperatures. Here are two tips for carrying out work of this nature during periods of bad weather.

Protect your materials from the elements

Heavy downpours, frost and wind can all cause damage to construction materials. This damage can, in turn, result in cost overruns and delays. As such, if bad weather has been forecast, it is vital to take steps to protect your materials from the elements.

For instance, when using a truck with an open trailer to transport goods from one area of the building site to another, waterproof, heavy-duty truck covers, like the ones provided by Nans Tarps, should be utilised to keep the goods in question dry during downpours. This is particularly important in instances where timber is being transported, as exposure to rainwater or snow may lead to wet rot setting in; this can affect the strength of the wood to the point where it becomes unusable.

If a storm hits when a building is half-finished and its roof has not yet been fully installed, waterproof canopies should be erected over the roof frame, to prevent rainwater from entering the building and causing the development of wet rot, mould and mildew.

Additionally, any materials that were previously being stored outdoors should be moved indoors as soon as the storm arrives. If there is no appropriate indoor storage area in which to place them, they should be raised above ground level and covered with waterproof tarps until the storm subsides.

Make sure your labourers are equipped to handle cold temperatures

Rain and low temperatures can have a serious impact on a construction worker's health and their ability to perform their work correctly. Working outdoors in wet, cold weather can result in issues such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.

To ensure that labourers remain safe and productive during bouts of bad weather, they should be provided with the appropriate garments for working in such conditions. This includes extra layers of clothing (to retain body heat), waterproof, insulated boots and gloves (to prevent trench foot and frostbite), hats and knit masks (to keep their faces and heads warm).

Site managers should also ensure that workers have access to warm drinks (such as tea or coffee) and a heated break room in which they can eat their lunches and take breaks.


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