COVID-19 Impacts on the Construction Industry

There is no doubt that the Coronavirus will leave a lasting impact on the construction industry. Viewpoint is here to help. We've collected resources and articles to help you stay on top of recent changes. 

• Construction Dive put together a great list of various social distancing strategies that can be used to keep contractors productive. 
• We recently asked companies in the industry how they are adapting to Covid-19. Catch up on their responses. 
• Our friends at MARCUM recently held a webinar on looking ahead to what's next for contractors after COVID-19. Check out the recording for some great information. 
• OSHA has issued two new pieces of enforcement guidance for employers, one for recording COVID-19 cases and the other regarding its plans for onsite inspections.
• As states begin to reopen from the Coronavirus shutdown, contractors are learned new ways to operate in order to keep their employees safe in the field. 
• While the construction industry begins to find the new normal, industry professionals are considering the future of the businesses. 
• Use this 3-Phase framework to navigate the COVID-19 downturn.
• As states reopen, contractors are facing new challenges in the way they operate and maintain safety on the job site. 

Here are some news pieces to keep you updated. The most recent articles are listed at the top.

• With construction companies entering the post-COVID-19 environment, they have a challenging job ahead ensuring their workers abide by social distancing guidelines and still remain productive.
  
• The state of Oregon created a task force to study job sites and make recommendations on guidelines for reopening job sites. Here are their published findings on safety best practices and photographs to demonstrate. 
• Here's some good news from Architectural Digest - construction sites across the country are starting to reopen. 
• What is the "new normal" for construction after Coronavirus? Construction Dive lays it out. Will the new normal include masks and temperature checks? 
• Unsurprisingly, there is a reported steep decline in activity for commercial builders in the UC. Construction Dive provides insight into the three phases, and how firms can bounce back.
• Canada's On Site Magazine lays out the importance and benefits of cloud-based solutions - especially as less people are being allowed on the job site.
• According to data from AGC, 40% of construction firms have had to lay off staff due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
• Construction companies around the world are deciding whether or not to close, or stay open with strategies to keep workers healthy. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when making tough decisions.
• Collecting and sharing field data is as important as it has ever been. Learn about the technologies currently being offered and how contractors are using them in the COVID era.
• As construction projects slow, workers are feeling the impact. 27% of construction companies have either furloughed our laid off employees.
• Keep up to date on each state and impacted construction projects. ENR has a great map, as does Architect Magazine.
• Curbed has an interesting perspective on how the industry is changing with Coronavirus restrictions.
• There are actions that construction companies can take now to help them once the pandemic is over.
• Trying to identify where the volume of project bids are across the country? Take a look at this map from Dodge Data that outlines current active bid volume.
• Many in the industry have legal questions around COVID-19. Construction Dive did a round up of top questions and had construction attorneys answer.
• Canada has released a document of Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites related to COVID-19.
• Amidst so many shutdowns, many subcontractors are pulling back from jobs where they cannot meet health standards - and it's creating a shortage.
• Many businesses are in uncharted territory with project shutdowns. What should contractors do once a project is shut down?
• The Architect’s Newspaper provided interesting insights on how the construction material supply chain will likely be impacted.
• Washington is the latest state to ban construction projects. Work on projects deemed “essential” can continue.
• CFMA Members can access this recorded webinar on how CFMs can Plan and Respond in the midst of the crisis.
• While you’re there, CFMA members can also use the Connection Cafe as a place to chat and network with other companies, and learn how they are weathering the uncertainty.
• As expected, AGC members are reporting that projects are being halted or delayed. Currently that number is at 28%, but it is expected to rise.
• Are you wondering where construction has been halted? Construction Dive has a real-time map to help you keep track.
• MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America) has put together a COVID-19 Contingency Plan webinar series. Sign up to participate on their website.
• How is COVID-19 impacting workers in Canada? WorkSafeBC compiled a list of resources for Canadian companies.
• While the full extent of the impact of COVID-19 is unknown, there are things business should be aware of in coming weeks.
• You've likely heard the term force majuere in recent days. What does it mean and does it apply? SmithCurrie put together some legal information that construction firms will find useful.
• Is your job site safe? These are the precautions you should take related to Coronavirus.
• Boston is the first major city to halt all construction projects. Construction Dive has more.
• Organizations such as AGC (Associated General Contractors), ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) and CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association) have put together resource centers to help their members.

This is just a taste of the COVID-19 contractor resources we have collected. See our complete list.