4 Ways Construction Site Welfare Units Withstand Changing Weather

Despite advances in technology to predict changing weather patterns, precisely predicting the weather still proves challenging. Working in unpredictable weather conditions can be difficult, especially for businesses in the construction sector that mainly function outdoors. Research has highlighted that adverse UK weather conditions have previously extended construction project timelines by up to 21%!

The unpredictable British weather can affect timelines, budgeting, and client relationships for those unprepared. Bad weather on construction sites may lead to delayed schedules, setting you back in terms of materials, equipment, and worker wages. 

So, how do you combat the negative effects of weather without it affecting your project?

Understanding worker welfare is what we do at Hireforce Welfare. While changing weather patterns is beyond anyone’s control, you can implement certain measures on your building site to minimise complications. This includes installing construction site welfare units that are durable and efficient. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how site welfare units put up a strong front against adverse weather conditions.

Understanding the UK’s Weather Challenges

Construction site workers are well adapted to working in various weather conditions. A light drizzle or the occasional hot day is bearable, but, the weather in the UK can be unpredictable. For example, an unexpected week of incessant rain with strong winds can sometimes cause work to come to an abrupt halt. 

Working at heights, potentially with cranes, becomes difficult in extremely windy weather, compromising the safety of your team and the structural integrity of existing scaffolding or buildings. Work including electrics and concreting typically come to a stop during heavy rain due to the risks involved. Similarly, hail and snow can cause disruption of travel and potential flooding. 

Typically summer in the UK doesn’t mean long, dry spells. This means that wet weather-related problems can occur year-round, reinforcing the need for a long-term solution. On the contrary, though, we are known to have the occasional heatwave or consistent hot weather, making it important to have measures in place for both scenarios.

The effect of certain industries, including civil engineering and roadway construction, as a result of climate change, is undeniable. These changing weather variations also bring the health of construction workers into focus. 

While the weather can’t be controlled, you can protect your project workers by installing sturdy and robust welfare structures. In line with regulations laid out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on-site welfare facilities must be in place before the project begins. 

Choose Hireforce Welfare’s construction site welfare units to protect your workers from harsh climatic changes and avoid having to delay project timelines.

4 Ways Construction Site Welfare Units Can Withstand Weather Changes

1. Weather-Resistant and Durable Materials

Site welfare units are designed with durable materials resistant to changing weather patterns, construction, and climate change conditions. The optimal combination of high-quality galvanised steel on the exterior with composite panels in the interior helps prevent wind, water or rust damage. 

2. Heating and Insulation Systems

Construction site welfare units designed with proper insulation and heating systems can protect workers from cold weather and snow. Each of Hireforce Welfare’s 6 to 16 Person Welfare Units is equipped with a heated seating system and a dedicated drying area for worker comfort. Our welfare units have a fully insulated wall and roof system with no cold bridging. You can access the hot water facility even when the generator is switched off. 

To learn more about our portable welfare unit range, contact us for more information, or request a quote.

3. Cooling and Ventilation Systems

Some modern construction site welfare units are equipped with cooling mechanisms like air-conditioning to combat the warm weather in the summer months. With these systems installed, you can keep your workers cool and comfortable at all times. An air-conditioned site welfare unit also contains a ventilation system to regulate the airflow.

4. Emergency Weather Protocols

Given the unpredictable weather conditions in the UK and the effects of climate change on construction site operations, businesses need to be ready with contingency plans. Our portable welfare units support your project and its workers in such emergencies, mitigating against issues like loss of power or flooding.

With LED lights and hot water facilities in our units, even without power from the generator, your operations can continue as normal. This feature is particularly beneficial in bad weather-related power outages. Additionally, every door of our unit has a heavy-duty locking mechanism to keep your workforce secure from the effects of changing weather.

Leave Weather and Construction Worries behind with Hireforce Welfare’s Site Units

The weather and your construction project’s success are interrelated. Unfortunately, little can be done about the changing and unpredictable UK weather, some in part due to climate change. However, you can provide the necessary measures to ensure your project minimises downtime due to unexpected weather changes and keep your workers protected at all times.

Hireforce Welfare’s well-equipped construction site welfare units act as an additional worker safety measure and necessary construction workforce welfare requirement to keep your project on track despite weather interruptions. Browse our assortment of portable and easy-to-setup units catering to construction sites of all sizes.