Disrupting the Disruptor: How a Prepared and Proactive Owner Can Mitigate the Effects of Coronavirus on Construction Projects -

Once a remote health issue in China, the rapidly spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) has become not only a global health concern but also potentially a global economic disruptor that could impact nearly every industry. The construction industry is no exception, and owners and contractors alike should evaluate and take proactive measures with respect to the physical and economic risks that coronavirus could pose for their projects. For owners and contractors, the virus presents significant risks to critical aspects of the project, including the health of project personnel, potential supply chain disruptions, and the increased potential of cost impacts and schedule delays, regardless of the contractual responsibility for infectious diseases. However, prepared and proactive owners and contractors can, with some forethought and groundwork, take simple yet effective measures to mitigate—or even prevent—these potential health, cost, and schedule risks.

Take Care of the Owner Team -

A critical step for any owner is to take care of its personnel on the project, ensuring that such personnel are safe and able to successfully execute their roles on the project. This includes setting up the proper procedural infrastructure to minimize the risk of infection and to keep all personnel healthy and working—no matter the work site.