Staying safe in windy work conditions

With strong winds sweeping through Victoria, employers have been urged to secure worksites and reconsider outdoor work under these conditions.

A severe weather warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for those in the Central, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland, and parts of the South West, North Central, North East and Wimmera forecast districts.

WorkSafe Victoria Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said employers had an obligation to implement control measures and site rules to reduce or eliminate the risks.

“Severe weather events, including potentially destructive winds, need to be treated like any other hazard in a workplace,” Jenkin said.

“Good housekeeping practices on worksites are essential to ensure materials, tools and machinery are stored properly or tied down so they cannot be picked up and blown around.”

Jenkin said those in construction were particularly at risk when the weather turned sour.

“High winds can bring down partially built structures and turn temporary fencing, roof sheets, tools and debris into airborne objects, endangering workers and the general public,” he said.

“Employers should plan ahead, including by consulting with their workers and health and safety representatives, and prepare a tailored strategy for their individual circumstances.”

Tips for working safely in windy conditions:

• Keep the worksite clean, securing objects that could become airborne.
• Examine and strengthen structures to ensure they will remain standing during strong winds.
• Secure scaffolding and other temporary structures so they can’t be blown over.
• Where possible, re-schedule work until conditions improve (eg, cease crane operations until wind speeds turn to acceptable levels).
• Where work proceeds, wear eye protection to stop dust and debris from blowing into the eyes.
• Wear fall protection and secure ladders at the top and bottom.
• Be careful when handling large flat items, such as signs, as they can act as a sail.
   

Image credit: iStock.com/Amorn Suriyan. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.