As with many other industry sectors, the construction industry in 2023 has been affected by a wide range of pressures that have combined and compounded to create situations that for many firms are hard to ignore.
A combination of elements have led to widespread materials and work supply issues, and the heatwaves, floods and other extreme weather phenomenon have caused issues for several construction sites that prioritise the health and safety of workers.
The result for some sites is delays and cost overruns, and the only ones that have managed to avoid this have prepared in advance and planned contingencies for situations just like these.
Taking advantage of the ability to order high-quality building supplies online with a promise to match any like-for-like quotation can help firms remain flexible and avoid particularly acute cost pressure that can seriously affect cash flow.
As well as this, most businesses have a project plan that has a risk assessment for various potential pressures, and ways to mitigate this as much as possible.
As well as this, knowing when and how to adapt working conditions for particular construction environments can minimise the amount of time lost and therefore the potential for delays, such as ensuring staff take frequent water breaks, are supplied with SPF protection, and have adequate shade.
Furthermore, knowing the signs of heat-related conditions, rotating staff out of job roles where they are exposed to direct sunlight and setting up cooling areas with air conditioning are investments that can pay significant dividends.
As well as this, many construction firms maintain constant, productive dialogues with clients to ensure that they are aware of the progress of any project, as well as potential actions and decisions that may need to be made in response to unexpected pressures.
Exactly what will happen next is unclear, but the construction sector is often a litmus test for the rest of British industry.