Adverse weather toolbox talk

What it is

Wind, rain, storms, heat or cold that make work unsafe, especially at height or outdoors.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Check forecasts and Bureau of Meteorology warnings before starting, and reschedule outdoor or at-height work when severe weather is expected.
2. Set wind stop-work triggers for cranes, elevated work platforms and scaffold work, using the manufacturer's limits for each item of plant.
3. Secure loose sheeting, materials and tools, and take down signs or screens that could become windborne in strong gusts.
4. Stop work and move to shelter at the first sign of lightning, keeping away from tall plant and metal structures.
5. Inspect scaffolds, excavations and access routes after storms or heavy rain before anyone resumes work.
6. Provide wet-weather gear and slip-resistant footwear, and treat wet surfaces as slip hazards until they dry.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with adverse weather:

• Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and protect workers from heat and coldFrom Handrail Installation
• Weather conditionsMonitor the weather and protect workers from sun, heat and coldFrom Hoarding Installation Removal
• Check weather conditions and prepareCheck the forecast, reschedule work in extreme weather, and prepare crews for heat or cold.From Lasers
• Working outdoorsManage extreme weather, heat and cold, and bites and stings when working outdoors.From Turf Restoration
• Assess on-site conditionsCheck site entry requirements, site hazards and weather conditionsFrom Crane Overhead Bridge Gantry

Questions for the crew

1. Where could adverse weather come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Check weather conditions & prepare; Weather conditions; Check weather conditions and prepare?
3. The most effective control is: “Check forecasts and Bureau of Meteorology warnings before starting, and reschedule outdoor or at-height work when severe weather is expected”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for adverse weather are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of adverse weather, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?