The Coronavirus pandemic has caused the world to change in many ways since the outbreak hit the west in early March. The construction industry has seemingly carried on unperturbed. Compared to other sectors, it has received special powers to continue trading in the UK, the US, and Europe.

However, to assume that the industry will be the same is naive. The truth is that it has already changed, and the effects will last into the future. They may not stick around forever, but you can expect to see the following on global sites.

Here’s how COVID-19 has and will continue to change construction.

Safety Will Get Better

While standard processes continue, there’s no doubt that cleanliness is higher on sites. This is because the crisis has forced workers to clean their hands regularly and take overall hygiene more seriously. Purafier, a hand sanitizer manufacturer, is a brand that you will see throughout workspaces after COVID-19, and construction is no different. Considering that killing bacteria means safeguarding the health, this means safety will be enhanced. Even a simple wipedown of surfaces and machines is enough to promote good wellbeing policies.

Remember – small gestures have the biggest effects.

Tech Will Help With Social Distancing

Standing two meters apart is a norm that isn’t going anywhere any time soon. While it makes the job tougher, it’s an effective way to stop the spread of diseases. Plus, software and computer programs can ensure that some jobs don’t require face-to-face meetings. Yes, Zoom and Microsoft Teams aren’t synonymous with construction, yet they’ve been adopted during this difficult period. What’s stopping the industry from going back to normal? The answer is – new legislation.

Washington state in the US, for instance, has changed the rules so that any company that doesn’t adhere to social distancing measures will be shut down.

Teams Could Be Smaller

Construction firms usually have a decent budget to spend on labor. Not only can businesses recoup the money in the long run, but human resources are also essential to the project’s completion. However, maintaining a safe distance from another person is already very challenging on a site where there is much room for maneuver. Therefore, rather than risk being shut down by local authorities, firms will likely cut the number of people on a single job. As a result, there could be lots of redundancies now and in the future.

Projects Will Take Longer

What isn’t in doubt is that projects will take longer to finish. This isn’t only a reference to the backlog of jobs directly affected by the Coronavirus situation. With smaller teams and improved safety measures, the efficiency of construction companies will decline. Schedules won’t be the same, which is a gift and a curse. Although businesses may struggle to make the same level of profits, employees will be safer and under less pressure. Also, standards could rise as there is more time to do it right than to get it done ASAP.

Do you work in construction? Have you been affected by COVID-19?