Like the majority of industries, the construction sector was significantly disrupted by the COVID pandemic. From the closure of construction sites, to shortages of materials, many construction projects have been delayed for a considerable length of time or even cancelled and there have -+-been many other problems for construction companies over this challenging time.

These are some of the biggest challenges the industry has faced since the start of the pandemic:

Supply Chain Issues

As a consequence of the pandemic, many of the most commonly used materials became in short supply and some materials were completely unobtainable for long periods. Construction companies could not get hold of materials such as sand, cement, bricks and plaster, meaning that jobs could not be completed until the materials became available again. The shortage led to an increase in costs for a while, until the supplies were able to catch up with demand.

Cancelled and Delayed Projects

It is estimated that around 80% of businesses were forced to cancel or postpone projects as a consequence of Coronavirus. Some projects are still waiting to re-start, due to workforce and supply issues as well as prioritising other projects. The impact of Brexit has made it more difficult to employ EU workers, so this is also contributing to a labour shortage, on top of contractors having to self-isolate or being absent through COVID illness.

However, over 70% of construction businesses surveyed by CHAS said that they had experienced a decrease in staff turnover and almost 20% of them said the decrease was over 50%. 

Changes to work environment

Construction site managers faced the task of adapting work environments to meet government rules and to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Many changes were required, from ensuring contractors and visitors wore face masks when working in the same area to introducing ways of reducing contact through methods such as reduced numbers of workers and implementing one-way systems.

As well as having the requirement to comply with standard health and safety regulations, site managers have had additional responsibilities of keeping people safe from catching COVID too. Purchasing PPE including face masks and gloves and ensuring good hygiene practice is in place where surfaces are being touched by multiple people has been a new priority during the pandemic.

High demand for work

The construction industry is now in a period of recovery and there is a high demand for work to get completed after the major disruptions caused by COVID. With restrictions such as social distancing and compulsory face mask wearing now removed, there are less responsibilities to distract site managers away from their normal role duties.

FixFirm has been supplying PPE to construction companies throughout the pandemic and has a huge range of construction tools and equipment. We offer next day delivery on all orders received before 5pm, so that there are no unnecessary delays now that the industry is getting back to business as usual.