Construction Law
Managing Your Project Sites During the Rainy Season Part 2
In part one of this two-part series, the Portland contractor lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants discussed two ways contractors can better manage their project sites during the rainy season. Now that you’ve formed a plan and contemplated all of the safety implications of building during the rainy season, it’s time to consider some specific actions that can be taken to help mitigate injuries and improve productivity, including:
- Protecting equipment and important project site features from moisture
- Practicing caution when dealing with concrete
- Utilizing the proper tools and materials
Keep Your Project Site Safe
Working in the rain is tedious, exhausting, and dangerous. Plus, the more rain entering your project site, the greater the challenge of removing it once the clouds have separated and the sun has returned. Rainfall can damage equipment, create hazards, and disrupt your workflow in significant ways. Tarps are an effective stopgap solution that are cheap, easy to use, and effective. Simply keep tarps on hand and be prepared to utilize them when your weather tracker warns you that rain is on the way. We recommend purchasing tarps with grommets that can be installed quickly and securely. In addition, temporary sheds or work trailers can house workers during a storm.
Caution! Concrete and Rainfall Don’t Mix
Residential construction can be greatly impeded during the rainy season. Before construction can commence, a solid concrete foundation must be installed. During cold or rainy weather, it’s preferable to have an experienced team on hand to pour concrete. Any pools of water must be removed before concrete can be poured. If rain continues and it’s impossible to remove water, you may have to suspend construction until weather improves. Of course, there are other solutions to this problem, but they can be costly and not all contractors are prepared to watch their bottom line shrink as a result.
The Right Tools for the Job
As with any job in construction, it’s hard to reach the desired outcome without the right tools for the job. When building during the rainy season, you may need to invest in the latest building materials designed to withstand the elements. Today, many building materials are water-resistant, but you’ll have to make sure you’re using the right materials and the right techniques to withstand substantial rainfall. We discussed this topic in great detail in our article, Framing Lumber and Rain Exposure.
With the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) patiently waiting for contractors to make a mistake, there’s never been a better time to partner with a Portland contractor lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. Our dedicated team of experienced legal professionals knows how to think like OSHA so you can avoid citations and maintain a compliant project site. Even if OSHA has already issued you a citation, we’re ready to defend your company on your behalf.
If you would like to speak with a Portland contractor lawyer, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.