Severe weather struck many areas of the country this spring, challenging contractors with following new response strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. From a tornado in Tennessee to wind and rainstorms in the Northeast, the weather caused power outages and damage throughout communities.

Meanwhile, the pandemic impacted contractors on ongoing construction projects. According to a recent survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 28% of respondents stated they had been directed by an owner, government agency, or official to halt or delay starting on active projects or those expected to start within 30 days.

The results of the report, on ConstructConnect’s website, also states that delays and disruptions are occurring due to a shortage of materials and equipment (16%); craftworkers (11%); and government workers to issue permits, perform inspections, and award contracts (18%). In addition, 8% responded they had disruptions due to an infected individual entering a jobsite and possibly infecting it, and 14% stated they hadn’t had any delays due to any of these reasons.

The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted construction schedules by hindering the ability to obtain materials and building supplies. In the AGC survey, 22% of respondents reported they or their subcontractors have been notified that deliveries will be delayed or cancelled.

Electrical contractors servicing the residential market also noticed changes in their communities. As cities continued to operate under stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, companies developed a list of safe work practices for social distancing and sanitization. Considered as “essential workers,” electricians are still out in their communities serving customers, but they are taking extra precautions to avoid the risk of contracting the virus.

Oftentimes, protective masks are worn to guard against the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of mid-April, they continue to be in short supply. To help workers to safe on the job sites, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) asked volunteers to sew masks by emailing [email protected] to receive a pattern and lend a helping hand.

As the electrical contracting community and construction industry continues to navigate the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the latest data and prevention strategies on its website. 

Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].