Safe working conditions at outdoor job sites are often weather dependent. A day may start with mild weather, but it can quickly change with rain showers, thunderstorms, snow, or a combination of these unpredictable conditions, frequently accompanied by high winds. These dangerous climate situations require additional safety measures.
High Wind Hazards
- Flying object hazards occur when high winds or gusts blow away tools or materials and strike nearby workers.
- Falling object hazards happen when extreme wind gusts move materials or tools off elevated surfaces like a scaffold system—posing a threat to anyone underneath these structures.
- Crane operations have a higher risk of dropping carried loads due to wind speeds, which could harm workers or create additional hazards.
- Wind gusts can kick-up airborne particles, which may enter and irritate an employee’s eyes and lead to infection if left untreated.
How to Stay Safe
- Eliminate dangerous tasks such as lifting operations or working at heights.
- Avoid working underneath suspended loads or overhead structures.
- Ensure your tools, materials, and equipment are secured in-place.
- If wind speeds exceed 40 mph, suspend all crane operations and lower the boom to a horizontal position to keep it in place.
- Wear safety glasses and use safety goggles when fine particles become airborne.