My Project Management Lessons » Risk

Seasonal Influences

michael — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:14:08 +0000

Consider seasonal influences on construction. Wet/dry season, snow, monsoon, etc. Be prepared for this and plan accordingly, with allowance for unexpected weather. Related Posts Wet Weather Delays Check for influences on your project. Be Very Reliable

Learn to Say No

michael — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:14:02 +0000

You must learn to say no to some requests from clients

If change requests from the client will make the design unsafe or unusable, you should refuse to change it. Otherwise you could still be sued as the designer for giving misleading information when your company is the expert (accepting a change could be deemed as approving it, even if you gave a warning that it would be unsafe or unusable).

Another instance to say no is if the client asks for changes that will increase the schedule but won’t approve the increased schedule. Get approval from the client for the extended schedule or cost before saying yes to the proposed change.

Importance of the Contract

michael — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:07:06 +0000

A contract is a risk allocation and control device. Remember the importance of the contract. Related Posts Clear Duties in Contract Agree With the Contract Before Signing It Addition Clause in Contract

Manage Risks

michael — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:42:53 +0000

Identify and Manage Risks Properly

This enables you to reduce or eliminate risks.
Helps you make plans for each major risk.
Reduces the possibility of things going wrong in the project.
If something goes wrong, you have a plan ready.
Reduces stress on you as the project manager.
Means you should rarely have to work overtime or on “emergency measures”

Cover your project risks

michael — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:59:14 +0000

Make sure to consider and allow for project commercial risks: Protect yourself with insurance Make risk plans (for specific risks) Evaluate possible risks (rate them) Work out likely percentages (probabilities) and build these in to the costs. Allow for loss of resources (team members sick, injured, quiting) Related Posts Understand technical risks Manage Risks Project [...]

Understand technical risks

michael — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:45:52 +0000

Make sure as the manager of a project that you are aware of and understand not just the financial and contract risks, but also the technical risks of the project.

E.g.

Flooding risks
High wind loads
Risks associated with the use of new or unproven techniques or technology
Construction techniques that your company or workers have not done before

Risk Activities

michael — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:23:23 +0000

Put risk activities in your schedule (plan). Your client is more likely to accept allowances for risk if you can show how it is worked out, how long it is for, and how the cost reduces/increases over time. Related Posts Manage Risks Risk Analysis Isolation and Lockout Procedures

Make Contractor Responsible for Site Safety

michael — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:15:44 +0000

If your company is not involved with construction (but just design or inspection), make sure the contract states that the construction contractor is responsible for site safety, not the “engineer” or your company.

There should also be clauses so your company is also indemnified.

The construction means and methods and related safety should be the responsibility of the construction contractor. This must be in writing in the contract.

Your company should be included as additional insured on the contractor’s general liability insurance.

Liability coverage should define who it specifies as being covered. If it covers the “engineer” your company must document and include that it includes your company as well.

Unreasonable Project And Construction Schedules

michael — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:23:25 +0000

If you believe a schedule required by the client is unreasonable, you should document your reasons for believing so, and inform the client of those concerns in writing.

If the client still chooses to go ahead with a schedule that you are not a party to (for example for their construction contractor) but using your company’s designs, you should inform them (with details) of your concern in writing.

This may reduce the possibility of claims and your liability in the event of contractor over runs.

If you believe a contractor’s schedule is unreasonable, you should also inform the client in writing.

Isolation and Lockout Procedures

michael — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:25:14 +0000

Always make sure that isolation or lock-out procedures are followed.

If an electrical contractor needs to access some wiring, they should follow a procedure of isolating or
de-energizing the circuit.

Electrical contractors should have written procedures they are supposed to follow, but many people (often non electricians) will skip isolating a circuit to do something that is simple of quick. Although this often seems ok and often works, there is a high risk of injury or damage to circuits.

Unpluging a power supply, isolating a circuit etc should always be done. Otherwise an accident will eventually happen.

If a valve should not be used, it should have a lock-out tag put on it. Especially if it is to be left unattended or if it contains dangerous or contaminated material (eg chemicals, sewage).

It is a good idea to carry a lock-out tag with you on site inspections, commissioning, or any site work you do. If you need to turn off a valve to open a pipe or equipment, you can easily put your lock-out tag on it for the few minutes you are doing the work. This reduces the risk of someone inadvertently turning the valve back on.

As a project manager you should not practice lazy or “save time” habits that others may often use. You are in charge of the project. You should set a good example, but also insist on proper procedures. This reduces risks, potential liability, and increases professionalism.