It is not an understatement to say that all our lives have been affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (“COVID-19”) and that both home and work life has changed permanently. Our priorities have changed, and home and work have blended together: daily commutes for many have reduced dramatically which has helped cutting down travel time, yet workloads have increased with the office only a few steps away.

For those involved in delivering and managing major projects, the ability to deliver to time and budget has been impacted to varying degrees: some work fronts will have continued, some will have slowed, and others will have stopped completely whilst adjustments are made to adapt to a “new normal”. As projects re mobilise and return to work, there are specific steps which need to be taken in order to maximise efficiencies.

  1. Assess impacts to the programme - if this hasn’t already been done, then both contractor and client need to identify and include the impact of CV-19 into their schedule. Insertion of a delay activity for the entirety of the downturn is required as a minimum, and linked back up to the remainder of network.

  2. Review social distancing measures on site - site welfare and accommodation will determine how many workers can be allowed onto site in a given shift. Shift changeover is especially important, and adapting shift patterns will be required to adhere to social distancing guidelines whilst still providing desired productivity on site. Any of these changes need to be reflected in activity calendars within the schedule.

  3. Amend your duration and material installation rates for areas of decreased productivity - where social distancing measures have been implemented on site, and where you have a reduced workforce, differing shift patterns may result in reduced concrete and rebar installation rates which will need reflecting in your programme.

  4. Assess your civil construction methodology - can precast be used over in situ concrete? Precast installation uses less resource than in situ concrete placement, so depending on the length of the project, and any re design required, this may be preferred to ensure long term social distancing, especially on higher levels of buildings.

  5. Review your Approved Vendor List (AVL) - the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately impacted many suppliers globally, with some unable to continue operations due to reduced cash flow. Having a up to date AVL will help your business identify a suitable alternative supplier when required. Any new procurement steps will need to be captured within your programme to ensure accurate lead times for on site deliveries.

At 4Berri, we recognise the importance in planning for any adverse event, not just a pandemic:, Hurricanes affecting an offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico, or supplier disruption due to geological impacts such as earthquakes. Using our Assess, Implement, and Control Strategy, there are steps you can carry out within your programme to ensure compliance and schedule stability, meaning a better chance of delivery to time and budget.