It is not easy to predict when the weather will get warmer, but one thing that is certain to occur: with the rise in temperatures each year, comes the renovation season! Winters are, in general, unbearably rough when it comes to renovating a building or an open landscape. They lead to losses in productivity and often to the occurrences of various types of injury. In most cases, project managers and planners cluster renovation projects around warmer temperatures. Does a higher number in the thermostat instantly mean safer work conditions for on-site workers and a reduced number of workplace injuries? It is not always the case.

Nonetheless, the answer to the above is affirmative if renovation managers execute projects with the proper planning and precautions. The following is a list of items to be considered to keep renovation projects safe and most importantly, to exercise due diligence in trying to prevent accidents from happening.

Plan well – The best way to control renovation risks is to recognize well in advance the various types of hazard present in the work areas and include specialists, such as environmental consultants, who can assess risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies in areas where your knowledge is incomplete. Good project management, such as effective scheduling of work, can prevent rushing through renovation activities, decreasing employment turnover rates, workplace injuries and runaway vendor costs. Understanding the potential issues that can arise on a project and at least talking with a consultant to see if external assistance is necessary is a good way to avoid costly surprises, stop work orders and other project liabilities.

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