The One World Trade Center

The One World Trade Center

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Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737399” 1.0 Discussion and Analysis PAGEREF _Toc400737399 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737400” 1.1 Project Outline PAGEREF _Toc400737400 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737401” 1.2 Risk Management Justification PAGEREF _Toc400737401 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737402” 1.3 Project Risks Identification PAGEREF _Toc400737402 h 4

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737403” 1.4 Project Risks Responses Strategy PAGEREF _Toc400737403 h 4

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737404” 1.5 Project Risks Monitoring & Control Plan PAGEREF _Toc400737404 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737405” 1.6 Project Risks WBS & Budget Updates PAGEREF _Toc400737405 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737406” 1.7 Project Risks Communications Plan PAGEREF _Toc400737406 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737407” 2.0 Project Outline PAGEREF _Toc400737407 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737408” 2.1 Description and Milestone of the Project PAGEREF _Toc400737408 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737409” 3.0 Risk Management Justification PAGEREF _Toc400737409 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737410” 3.1 Letter to the Project Sponsor PAGEREF _Toc400737410 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737411” 3.2 Risk management Plan PAGEREF _Toc400737411 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737412” 3.2.1 Risk identification and registration PAGEREF _Toc400737412 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737413” 3.2.2 Risk Analysis Methods PAGEREF _Toc400737413 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737414” 3.2.3 Identification of Risk Triggers PAGEREF _Toc400737414 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737415” 3.2.4 Risk Resolution Ideas PAGEREF _Toc400737415 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737416” 3.2.5 Risk Resolution Action Plan PAGEREF _Toc400737416 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737417” 3.2.6 Responsibility and Accountability PAGEREF _Toc400737417 h 9

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737418” 3.3 Chart of the Risk Management Plan PAGEREF _Toc400737418 h 10

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737419” 3.4 Project Risks Identification PAGEREF _Toc400737419 h 11

HYPERLINK l “_Toc400737420” References PAGEREF _Toc400737420 h 11

1.0 Discussion and Analysis1.1 Project OutlineThe bombing of the world trade center marked a dark day to the Americans and the whole world. A mega structure which acted as a beehive of most global activities fell to the ground in the hands of a sect of the right wing terrorists called Al Qaeda (Roleff, 2003). The bombing left the once tall building torn in pieces with a death count of over one thousand people. The destruction led to the initiation of a rebuilding process where the once tall commercial building is under reconstruction with the mega structure under development named One World Trade Center (Dar, 2013). The reconstruction process commenced from 2004 where the symbolic corner stone was laid down. The reconstruction of the building was to be initiated but it was stalled in 2006 with financial disputes, security concerns and the safety of the reconstruction workers being the major reasons that resulted to the halt in the reconstruction process (Haerens, 2012).

In 2006, with all the disputes settled, a deal was struck between the Ports Authority of New York and Larry Silverstein (a developer) to mark the launch of the reconstruction process. The duration between 2004 and 2007 was used to remove all the explosives that remained at the site after the building was bombed. A 400 cubic meters concrete was poured on the One World Trade Center; a building under construction to replace the demolished structure (Smith & Fischbacher, 2009). The year 2006 marked the beginning of the reconstruction process with numerous workers being involved in the process.

The second phase of reconstruction of the project commenced in 2007 and the estimated cost that would be used in reconstruction of the One World Trade Center was estimated at $ 3 billion (Dar, 2013). Coordination in terms of sharing responsibilities among different stakeholders enabled the erection of the tower footings and foundation by the end of 2007. By 2011, the One World Trade center reached the 70th floor with the concrete floor being stalled at the 63rd floor (Haerens, 2012). Within 2013-2014 the world trade center had been completed and it became the third tallest building in the world.

1.2 Risk Management JustificationCarrying out risk management is essential for the success and safety of any project. Often, it is vital to guarantee the workers of their safety during the construction process. Exposure to hazards can have negative impacts to the workers because majority of them are exposed to different types of risks (Mann, 2011). The One World Trade Center for instance exposes the workers to a wide category of risks including falling objects, operating heavy equipment such as cranes, explosions, exposure to hot steel compounds, use of compressed fuels to heat steel and fuels used to lubricate and power machineries used in construction.

Efficiency of the labor force is achieved when the workers operate in safe conditions. Efficiency at work is achieved when the worker is assured of his/ her security. It is also important to carry out a risk management program at such a site especially after it was bombed (Dar, 2013). The assessment is done to ensure that all explosives buried beneath the soil are removed and therefore workers are not likely to suffer from injuries or even lose their lives because the explosives were not completely removed after the September 11 explosion.

Working in areas where a lot of dust and suspended materials are present in the air exposes the laborers to contracting respiratory diseases. Examples of diseases include lung failure. The initial WTC was constructed using asbestos; an element that is highly resistant to heat. With the explosion, many people who were in the surrounding of the old WTC especially the lower Manhattan region suffered respiratory ailments emanating from inhalation of asbestos compounds. During the reconstruction of the site, asbestos compounds have not completely eliminated from the region and therefore workers are still exposed to the poisonous compound. Carrying out a risk management program assures employees of their health (Smith & Fischbacher, 2009). Measures taken to control the release of suspended particulate matter include spraying of water to ensure that dust particles are not carried by moving air.

1.3 Project Risks IdentificationThere are several risks that workers are exposed to when working at the One World Trade center. Construction entails using steel. Often, steel is heated and smelted and transformed into different shapes to fit the desired shape. To melt steel, the temperature required should be above 2000 degrees centigrade (Haerens, 2012). As the cranes carry the smelted steel materials, the heated steel can easily cause severe burns to the employees. Secondly, the strategy used to cool steel with water posed a safety threat because the cooling process produced a steam explosion.

The construction process required use of Freon gas. The gas was stored in underground tanks with an estimated over 200,000 pounds being preserved at the base of the One World Trade Center (OWTC) complex (Smith & Fischbacher, 2009). The biggest concern about safety was at the event of a leak, the dense invisible gas would kill large numbers of workers at the site.

Exposure to explosions is a serious issue especially at the OWTC. Even after an intensive evaluation to ensure no explosives were left under the soil after the bombing of the world trade center, there is a probability of an explosive still existing cannot be ignored. The use of numerous gas cylinders to heat burners and cutting steel beams could result to major explosion that could cause serious injuries and even death (Mann, 2011). The risk of an explosion does not only affect the lives of the people working and those living within the OWTC but also the property worth millions that is stored around the mega structure. Building 6 for instance in the Manhattan accommodates over 1.3 million rounds of ammunitions as well as military explosives. Working under areas where there is confined space exposes the workers to suffocation as a result to accumulation of carbon monoxide gas.

The OWTC exposes the workers a to wide range of risks and hazards. Some of the common hazards include risks associated with chemical hazards especially contact to corrosive chemicals used in the construction of the mega structure. Others include biological, physical and safety hazards. The safety risks and hazard category composes collapses, fires and burns and also falls from heights.

1.4 Project Risks Responses StrategyThe OWTC is designed to assure the safety of the workers. Spires were installed to counter and protect the workers from falling objects. Working at rooftops possesses a major risk to the workers especially when walking on surfaces that have holes. These holes, when a person accidentally steps in them, he/ she can accidentally break his/ her ankle. The use of horizontal protection system is made up of three stacks that have circular platform that surrounds the base of the spire. This type of protection guarantees the workers safety when fixing communication cables and devices at the top of the building (Kwon et al., 2013). Designing the horizontal track to use standardized eye bolt rolling trolleys guarantees employees against fall protection.

Response to respiratory risks required employees working at Ground zero to wear personal protective equipment. Each worker was required to have steel toed work shoes that are designed to be used when doing heavy duties. Safety glasses, hard nuts and respirators were worn at all times while working at ground zero.

To safeguard from explosions, there is a necessity to frequently monitor the availability of explosives hidden under the surface. Disabling excavated explosives warrants the constructor’s security. Installing explosive detectors enables bomb experts to identify the location of the explosive and disabling them. Safeguarding areas where steel compounds are smelted safeguards the security of the workers from being burnt when steel is cooled with water and heat and an explosion is emitted. Employees ought to be alert and timely detect fires or smoke before it’s late. The early detected signs of fire should be reported to the fire response department.

To protect employees from falls, installation of fall restraint and fall arrest guarantees the safety of the employees. Crane man baskets use lanyard as a counter measure against fall restraint. It is important to ensure that doors and railings are well fixed to prevent them from falling on people. Lanyards too required to be secured and only accessible to approved persons.

The lifting of heavy loads requires proper management of the loads. The mass lifted should match the rated load limit. It is necessary to ensure that cranes manufacturer directions are followed in the utility and use of the mass lifting machineries. When lifting loads, ensure the crane is positioned on a flat surface and only trained personnel are allowed to operate these machineries (Kwon et al., 2013). There is a necessity of always inspecting all machineries used in the OWTC construction before the equipments start a shift and also inspected after the end of the shift. Old machines should be disposed and new ones purchased.

Tanks holding Freon gas requires proper armed security because people with working in the areas around the store as well as frequent monitoring of the gas levels and possible leaks. Even minor traces where the gas leaks can result to death of many of the employees. Compressed gas cylinders used to heat steel proper storage. It is vital to separate oxygen cylinders and store them away from fuel cylinders (Mann, 2011). The necessity of storing them apart is in the event the fuel cylinders accidentally leaks and there is plenty of oxygen flames can be ignited.

The compressed gas cylinder refueling area requires to be enclosed and only refueling vehicles are allowed to reach the area. Refueling zones should be located in an area of 50 ft. from the area where normal operations are taking place. Gas and fuels spills should be cleaned within the shortest time.

When dealing with refueling zone locations, all sparks producing equipments should be shut down immediately. Portable equipments should be properly cooled before being refueled or even being transported from one location at the transportation site to the other (Mann, 2011). Equipments that use dispensing nozzles should have the automated shutdown design so that in the event of leaks via the nozzles, the equipment automatically turns itself off.

Hiring qualified architects ensures that the structure is build using the correct design and the safety of the workers is guaranteed always. In order to protect the workers from injuries emanating from exposure to sharp objects requires wearing of protective clothing especially work gloves and protective boots (Smith & Fischbacher, 2009). In the event of fires, the structure must have the normal entry and exit points used for safety escape (Kwon et al., 2013). Extra emergency exit routes should be installed so that large numbers of workers can be evacuated from the danger within the shortest time possible. Conducting frequent fire and other possible accidents response programs enables the employees know the adequate measures that should be taken in the event of danger.

1.5 Project Risks Monitoring & Control PlanIn order to evaluate the likelihood of an occurrence of a risk various measures are put in place in the project risk monitoring plan to make sure the construction process is done in a professional manner with minimal damages and injuries. Early detection signs were and are still used to pinpoint possible risks and putting structures to ensure that possible risks are identified and reported early (Dar, 2013). Creation of restriction and barriers in the steel smelting zones guarantees workers who may not have protective clothing their security.

Training employees on risk response and management ensures that in the event of a crisis, the workers know the appropriate measure to be taken to ensure that minimal injuries are experienced. Regular servicing of cranes that are used to carry heavy loads makes sure that they do not breakdown and cause damages. Maintenance involves regular greasing and oiling of moving parts and replacement of old and worn out parts.

A schedule is created when each possible risk is evaluated to ensure that accidents do not occur. Once risks are identified the scope of each risk is vetted on the basis of likelihood of an accident and resources put in place to prevent the occurrence of the risk.

Wearing of nose and mouth protective masks protect the employees from exposure to compounds such as asbestos, suspended toxic metals such as lead and chromium and silica. The masks also protect employees from exposure to smoke made up of a variety of gases such as hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide amongst others.

1.6 Project Risks WBS & Budget UpdatesAccording to the January 2007 estimates the construction of the One World Trade Center (OWTC) of an estimated $3 billion (Dar, 2013). The funds were further broken down to a total of $ 12380 used to construct square meter of the mega structure (Kwon et al., 2013). A further $ 250 million was contributed by the State of New York to help fund the construction (Kwon et al., 2013). Other donors were the Port Authority which contributed $ 1 billion solicited from bonds (Haerens, 2012). The overall cost required to fully construct the structure was therefore around $ 4.3 billion. To date, with the project nearing completion no further funding has been pumped to the project.

1.7 Project Risks Communications PlanDuring the construction process, a proper channel is made where information is passed from the highest officials to the least and vice versa. The communication systems in any project work perfect in the timely response to a disaster. In the event of a serious incident that may endanger life, all workers are evacuated from the construction site within the shortest time and all of them get counted to determine the number of workers rescued and those that have not yet been rescued. OSHA conducts analysis to vet fit the workers fitness so that in case of a crisis they can effectively run for their safety.

Designating of a specific emergency phone number could aid in the fast reporting of a possible risk that may emanate from the construction zone. Having designated areas where employees can read personal and facility safety programs.

Initializing of proper programs where vital information regarding employees’ roles at the site is vital in the outlining of desired policies that will limit the possibility of causing a risk or hazard. Key policies that require to be implemented are laws regarding drug and alcohol safety. Sober employees exhibit high efficiency in terms of commitment and productivity (Kwon et al., 2013). In such site where there are numerous risks and hazards, alcoholics and other drugs users who are intoxicated are more likely to cause accidents because they are not sober meaning that their mental judgment abilities are compromised.

2.0 Project Outline2.1 Description and Milestone of the ProjectFor a long time, the world trade center was the tallest building in the world. The initial design of the WTC was mainly made up of asbestos with over 4oo tons of the compound being used in the construction. After the bombing, the old remnants of once the WTC was gathered and buried in landfills. A taskforce was granted the mandate of demolishing the remnants of the old building to ground zero where the authorities funded the construction of a new structure called One World Trade Centre (OWTC).

In 2004, the operations to establish a new structure began with several firms awarded the tenders to monitor the effective construction of the structure. Key players in the reconstruction of the OWTC were Owings and Merrill Architectures Company, Daniel and SKidmoreand Daniel Libeskind (Haerens, 2012). The new designed building would accommodate a number of sub sections such as museums, transportation hubs and retail space.

By March 2010, the frame for tower 4 of the entire building was completed. At this moment after a close implementation of OSHA’s guidelines on safety and prevention of risks, there were no major accidents or incidences reported. OWTC had been constructed by June 2011 up to the 70th floor with the concrete floor being already fixed up to the 63rd floor. In October the same year, the construction of the Museum was completed. By 2013, the building had been constructed to a height where it was rated the third tallest building globally (Kwon et al., 2013). The final stages of constructing the building are set to be completed in 2014 with the grant opening scheduled to be done on the 27th of October 2014.

3.0 Risk Management Justification3.1 Letter to the Project SponsorRisk management is very vital in the success of any project. Often, risk management allows the project sponsor and coordinator identify the possible risks and hazards that may emanate during the establishment of a new project. Risk management pinpoints the projects, weaknesses, strengths and opportunities. An opportunity is therefore provided where the unexpected events are planned for and counter measures staged to ensure that all risks are responded to accordingly (Kwon et al., 2013). The most suitable mitigation measures are recommended to counter possible unexpected events. The success of a good project coordinator is his/ her ability to realize the importance of risk management because the success of any project is highly dependent on proper planning, good preparation and better awareness and understanding of any dangers that may negatively affect the purported project. For instance in this paper, a risk management analysis has been done to evaluate the risks that may affect the ongoing construction of the One World Trade Center (OWTC) (Dar, 2013).

Risk management contributes to better project planning. Good planning involves risk identification, gauging the occurrence of a particular risk and recommendation of the best strategy to counter the potential impacts of the proposed project. Risk management helps coordinators accommodate the extra cost of possible risks during estimating the total cost of the intended project. These estimates are done before the project is even established.

Risk management makes sure that the construction of the OWTC project is done in a smooth manner with sponsors and stakeholders such as the state of New York and Ports Authority being given proper estimates in terms of cost that will help fund the project from beginning to end without soliciting extra cash from donors to cater for occurred risks and hazards.

Risk management also contributes to other vital aspects such as lowering the cost of capital, enhancing and improving innovation, initiate better service delivery because every aspect of the project development has been included in the budget. Most sponsors prefer working with project coordinators who include risk management in their budgets because the inclusion reduces the possibilities of fraud especially when project managers demand a lot of cash to cater for risks when they failed to include it in their estimates.

These benefits of risk management apply to small scale, large scale, private and public sectors. All these sectors focus on running projects that advocate for cost effectiveness. Risks eliminate occurrence of negative risks in a project and encourage further exploitation of strengths translating to the success of not only the project, but also is coordinator.

3.2 Risk management PlanProper management plans reduce unexpected project costs. An effective project plan reduces problems encountered by a margin of almost 80%. Risk management plans are done at the project planning stage. Major steps taken in project planning include;

3.2.1 Risk identification and registrationAt this stage, all stakeholders and sponsors are identified. Risks that may emanate from establishment of the project are also identified. The process is done by evaluating project documents and reports. Every acknowledged risks are documented in the risk records.

3.2.2 Risk Analysis MethodsEvery project at one point is faced with risks. These risks may come at any stage of the implementation of the project. It is therefore important for risk managers to be careful and timely pinpoint risks. The pinpointed risks are then evaluated and dealt with using the best way possible. Risks can have both positive and negative impacts. Analysis of impacts is done with the help of the PI matrix which translates risks in a numerical format thus increasing the accuracy of a risk’s expected outcome and cost.

3.2.3 Identification of Risk TriggersHere the risk management team identifies and classifies the risks into subgroups and the risks are assigned small segments called subgroups (Dar, 2013). The role of each sub group is to identify warning signs of all the listed risks.it is important to outline at least three triggers for every risk identified.

3.2.4 Risk Resolution IdeasHere each sub team from the major team identifies and documents counter measures against threats. At this stage, opportunities are vital in the provision of preventive measures against the threats (Haerens, 2012). At this stage risks are classified as either being positive or negative.it is the role of the organization carrying out the risk analysis to neutralize the threats and exploit the benefits brought about by the risks.

3.2.5 Risk Resolution Action PlanAt this stage the project manager analyses the risks outlined by all the team and sub teams and decides the best plan of action that would be used to resolve the identified risks. Risks that portray high PI values are given first priority and therefore solved first.

3.2.6 Responsibility and AccountabilityThis is the last stage of risk management. Using the responsibility assignment matrix, team members are each given responsibilities to handle and provide a risk resolution plan (Kwon et al., 2013). Here the project manager documents the total cost of the project and gives the financial and accountability reports to the sponsors.

3.3 Chart of the Risk Management Plan180975028575Risk identification and registration

Risk identification and registration

2019300857250 Risk Analysis Methods

Risk Analysis Methods

22574252390775 Risk Resolution Ideas

Risk Resolution Ideas

1847850199390 Identification of Risk Triggers

Identification of Risk Triggers

2066925275590 Risk Resolution Action Plan

Risk Resolution Action Plan

1924050198755Responsibility and Accountability

Responsibility and Accountability

3.4 Project Risks IdentificationIdentification, evaluation and solving of risks is a continuous process which occurs starts at the beginning of the project to the end. Proper coordination of the team is important in guaranteeing success of the risk assessment team. Often, good project managers effectively manage their teams get good results.

ReferencesDar, M. (2013). Operational Risk Management, Risk Management Approaches, and Risk Mitigation Techniques: Challenges Faced By Islamic Financial Services. IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 11(2), 72-79.

Haerens, M. (2012). Rebuilding the World Trade Center. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.

Kwon, S., Weiden, M. D., Echevarria, G. C., Comfort, A. L., Naveed, B., Prezant, D. J., et al. (2013). Early Elevation of Serum MMP-3 and MMP-12 Predicts Protection from World Trade Center-Lung Injury in New York City Firefighters: A Nested Case-Control Study. PLoS ONE, 8(10), e76099.

Mann, C. C. (2011). 1493: uncovering the new world Columbus created. New York: Knopf.

Roleff, T. L. (2003). The World Trade Center attack. San Diego, Calif.: Greenhaven Press.

Smith, D., & Fischbacher, M. (2009). The changing nature of risk and risk management: The challenge of borders, uncertainty and resilience. Risk Management, 11(1), 1-12.