High Wind Dangers (Construction) Meeting Kit

HIGH WIND DANGERS

When you are working outside sometimes you are at the mercy of the weather. Rain, snow, ice, and heat all can play a huge role in the ability to work outside but a less talked about hazard is high winds. it is important to also realize that high winds can pose a threat and are a safety hazard.

HIGH WINDS DANGERS FOR WORKERS

High wind is a wind of such velocity that one or more of the following hazards would be present:

The wind could blow an employee from an elevated location.
The wind could cause an employee or equipment handling material to lose control of the material.
The wind would expose an employee to other hazards not controlled by the standard involved.

Winds that exceed 40 miles (64 km) per hour are considered high winds. If the work involves material handling, high winds can be considered at 30 miles (48 km) per hour, unless the employer takes precautions to protect employees from the hazards of the wind.

HAZARDS WHEN WORKING IN HIGH WIND CONDITIONS

Potential for injury when wind moves objects.
Eye injuries from dust or debris in the air.
Sprains or strains when the wind forces workers to fall, when workers try to reach for an object.
Potential for injury from broken glass because of objects striking a window or a door swinging with force.
Exposure to skin, especially in the cold.
Loads, equipment, or vehicles that fall, drop, or tip over.
Breaking of branches or uprooting of trees.
Collapse of building, roof, scaffolding, fencing, towers, etc.
Broken power lines, leading to risk of electrocution and loss of electricity.
Reduced visibility (due to dust, snow, etc.)
Spreading of fire from sparks or equipment.
Struck-by incidents due to objects being blown around.
Slips, trips, falls due to workers reacting to a falling hardhat or object due to wind blowing these items from them.
Dropped loads while completing lifts with wind present.
Objects falling from elevated surfaces.
Dump truck tip-over.

BEST PRACTICES TO ELIMINATE HAZARDS AND INJURIES RELATED TO HIGH WINDS

Eliminate tasks or stop work when that work becomes too dangerous due to high winds.
Secure all items by bringing indoors or by using weights, ropes, chains, or stakes.
Secure latches, doors, windows, scaffolding, ladders, etc.
Be aware when carrying or lifting large objects, such as plywood, that these objects can act as a sail.
Be aware that structures or objects can suddenly move.
Take Shelter. Stay indoors. When indoors, stay away from outside walls and windows where possible.
Bring in pets or livestock for shelter.
If driving and unable to find shelter in a building, stay in your vehicle. If possible, move to an area where you will be less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
Keep a distance from high vehicles such as transport trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers. Strong gusts of wind can flip these vehicles.
Use buildings or vehicles to help block the wind.
Wear fall protection and secure yourself properly when working at heights.
Wear safety glasses or goggles, as appropriate.

DO NOT

Do not perform lifting operations, use cranes, or conduct similar activities when it is unsafe to do so.
Do not work at heights when high winds are forecasted.
Do not reach or try to grab an object such as your hardhat if it blows away.
Do not shelter in large open areas inside building, such as gymnasiums or malls.

FINAL TAKEAWAYS

On construction sites, it is critical that you pre plan your day and your tasks to ensure safety. You will find that weather can play a major role in what tasks you will be able to do that day and ones you will have to wait on. When high winds are going to be present, plan work accordingly. Avoid certain tasks during high winds as well as use the safeguards you have been taught to ensure your safety as well as the safety of your coworkers.

FINAL WORD

Preplanning of tasks is critical to ensure a solid start to working safely on a construction site. When high winds are going to be present, plan work accordingly. Avoid certain tasks during high wind events as well as implement extra safeguards to ensure safety during the normal job tasks.