How Do You Cope With Weather Damage on the Jobsite?

Reggie Asare 
EHS Director for Houston/North Texas 
Skanska USA Building

The best coping mechanism is preparation. To adequately prepare for a weather event on the jobsite, every project team must have a before and after plan for all potential weather events.

When mobilizing on a new project, it’s important to implement a plan for potential weather events. Good plans include weather tracking, jobsite protection measures and an emergency response plan. Tracking weather is crucial for project teams to understand what type of weather they may face and how long they have to prepare before it reaches the jobsite. When a project is under construction, it’s important to be prepared to install temporary weather protection like windbreakers and drainage systems to help mitigate the amount of weather that can disrupt the jobsite. Make sure all materials are secured to prevent the material from flying due to high winds.

Devising an emergency response plan is vital. This plan should outline various tasks to prepare the jobsite for any weather event and pre-assign duties so each person knows what they need to do. Ensure there are clear lines of communication within the project team and a notification system is in place to evacuate the site. Roll calls need to happen once everyone is at the muster location to ensure everyone is accounted for, and an all-clear when it is safe to return. Working quickly and efficiently can greatly minimize damage on the jobsite.  

The post-weather event plan should include documentation, recovery/restoration and a debrief on how to better prepare for next time. Once the weather event has passed, it’s important to get on-site to document the damage for both client reporting as well as insurance purposes. Next, focus on restoring the site so the area is safe, and work can continue. Finally, it’s important to learn from these events and update the weather plan to be better prepared for the next weather event.

Clint Eskridge 
General Manager
Peabody General Contractors

Managing weather damage on the jobsite requires a proactive approach and strategic planning. As Texas is known for severe weather, we anticipate costs and incorporate a buffer for weather-related expenses in our initial estimates for our clients. When adverse weather is predicted, we implement preventive measures such as proper grading and constructing berms or swales to effectively manage runoff. 

After the weather has passed, we assess the damage and prioritize fixing it correctly the first time, avoiding rushed repairs that may worsen the situation. Additionally, we collaborate with project owners to assist with the cost associated with weather damage. By staying observant, proactive and collaborative, we minimize the impact of weather on our projects, safeguarding timelines and budgets for ourselves and our partners.