A closer look at 8 common construction risks

Construction projects are complex endeavors that involve numerous risks and challenges. From safety hazards to budgetary issues, these risks can impact project timelines, costs, and the well-being of workers.

Construction business owners can proactively minimize their impact by understanding and addressing these common risks.

NEXT notes that these risks can vary depending on the nature and scale of each construction project. Here are some of the most common construction risks.

1. Safety hazards

Construction sites are complex environments, presenting numerous safety hazards. Falls from heights, improper use of equipment, electrical hazards, collapsing scaffolding, unstable trenches and falling objects are additional hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its top 10 most frequent citations following inspections annually. This list can help alert employers about common safety violations and help them take steps to fix them before OSHA shows up.

Business owners can also build safety into their everyday operations by conducting toolbox talks or regular inspections.

2. Delays and scheduling issues

Construction projects often face delays, resulting in increased costs and potential contractual disputes.

Common construction delays include:

• Inclement weather. Includes heavy rain or extreme temperatures.
• Labor shortages. Caused by skilled worker scarcity or unexpected absences.
• Equipment failures. These are breakdowns or lack of maintenance.
• Supply chain disruptions. Includes delayed material deliveries.

Effective project planning, contingency plans, and open communication with all stakeholders can help reduce these delays.

3. Cost overruns and budgetary issues

Cost overruns are a common challenge in construction projects. It's so common that a three-year study from KPMG indicates that only 31% of projects come within 10% of the original budget.

Overruns can result from inaccurate initial cost estimation, unexpected expenses, design changes or poor project planning. Unforeseen site conditions, such as finding hazardous materials (e.g., lead or asbestos) or encountering unexpected jobsite challenges, can also contribute to increased costs.

Proper project management, diligent cost tracking, regular budget reviews, and accurate cost estimation during the planning phase can help mitigate the risk of cost overruns.

4. Environmental and regulatory compliance

Construction projects must comply with environmental regulations, permits and local building codes. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, project delays and reputational damage.

Environmental compliance involves managing waste disposal, controlling water runoff, and reducing harmful impacts on ecosystems. Regulatory compliance includes getting necessary permits, adhering to zoning restrictions and ensuring worker safety standards.

Business owners can engage with environmental consultants, conduct regular inspections, and stay updated on regulatory changes, which can help lessen compliance risks.

5. Quality control and workmanship issues

Poor technique, substandard materials and inadequate quality control measures can lead to construction defects, operational inefficiencies and safety hazards. These issues arise from insufficient training, lack of supervision, or rushed work.

Business owners can reduce these risks by implementing robust quality control processes and conducting regular inspections. Also, ongoing training and education for workers can help ensure high-quality work.

6. Contractual disputes and legal issues

Construction projects involve multiple parties. Unsurprisingly, disputes can arise from just about anything, including contract terms, payment issues, scope changes, or project delays.

These disputes can lead to costly legal battles, strained relationships and project disruptions.

According to a report from engineering consulting firm Arcadis, the most common cause for construction disputes in North America in 2022 was errors and/or omissions in the contract documents. Having clear and well-defined contracts and effective communication can help reduce disputes.

Similarly, identifying and resolving issues through mediation or other resolution methods can minimize legal complications.

7. Unforeseen site conditions

Unexpected site conditions can impact project timelines and costs. These conditions may include unstable soil, hidden underground utilities or even archaeological discoveries.

The consequences of these unearthings can be severe. They might require design modifications, additional excavation work or hiring specialized contractors — all of which add up to more time and money.

Sometimes, there's not much that you can do, but you can take steps before starting a project to save you from headaches later. Conduct thorough site investigations beforehand, including geotechnical surveys and locating utilities, to help identify potential challenges.

8. Supply chain disruptions

Your business relies on a complex network of suppliers and vendors. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as material shortages, transportation issues, or labor disputes, can impact project timelines and costs.

While the industry has recently seen more stabilization compared to 2021 and 2022, builders aren't out of the woods yet. Disruptions can lead to delays in material deliveries, increased material costs, or the need to find alternative suppliers.

Maintaining strong relationships with reliable suppliers and having contingency plans for potential disruptions can help reduce the impact of these disruptions.

This story was produced by NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.