The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) have released their Coronavirus Contractors Survey 4: Stability & Anxiety, which is their fourth survey in a series of independent research into the contractor industry. This particular survey was conducted with 300 ICI (Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional) contractors on how the construction industry is being impacted by COVID-19.
Positive Outlook For Construction Industry
Contractors reported that on average, 23% of work has stopped because of the virus, with 29% of work delayed. Compared to the previous OCS survey (#3) these numbers are trending in a positive direction and are down from higher percentages reported earlier (28% and 41% respectively).
Source: Coronavirus Contractors Survey 4: Stability & Anxiety
Overall, the survey respondents have stated that the impact COVID-19 has had on their construction firms has decreased. From the earlier first survey at 19%, the total impact has now decreased to 2%.
Source: Coronavirus Contractors Survey 4: Stability & Anxiety
Biggest Concerns For Construction Contractors
Source: Coronavirus Contractors Survey 4: Stability & Anxiety
The survey outlines eleven of the top concerns, with a ‘second wave of COVID-19’ being the top concern.
Third on the list is the ability to get skilled labour.
Other Insights Into The Impact Of COVID-19
- PPE and physical distancing have led to 18% increase in project costs on average.
- 24% don’t expect there will be enough workers available for their remaining 2020 projects (73% expect there will be enough).
- 37% think it’s going to be more difficult or much more difficult getting labour in September-December vs last year at this time.
- Financial impact of COVID on firms: 69% of firms currently have less revenue than last year. Approximately down -21% overall.
