SafeAs Blog

Every year in Australia severe storms are responsible for more damage than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires. When it comes to storm safety, preparation is key. Follow these 7 steps to ensure you are storm ready on your site.

1. Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast

Regularly monitor weather conditions and the work environment. There are various websites and tracking devices to assist you with this (e.g., the BOM website for the Queensland region or the Queensland Government website for alerts and warnings). It’s a good idea to convey weather information to workers via SMS text alerts or email blasts. Accompany weather updates with brief reminders regarding important safety tips. Establish an emergency alert system for your workers, so workers and employers alike are aware of the key steps that must be taken in the event of a weather-related emergency.

2. Develop a Storm Policy

Storms can occur with little or no warning, and it is important to be prepared for storm hazards before they occur. Ensure your Storm Policy identifies the hazards, risks and appropriate control measures. The policy should cover storm readiness (what do I need to ensure all the necessary materials and plans are in place?), preparedness (what checks do I need to make before the storm arrives?), response (what happens when the storm hits the worksite?), and recovery processes (when do we return to site and what checks are necessary before work can begin?). The policy should also clearly outline the conditions under which work on site will cease to ensure the safety of workers and adequate preparation time.

3. Train your workers

Once you have established a Storm Policy, make sure you take the time to step through the policy with your workers. Ensure workers know how to respond and are aware of the potential hazards if a weather-event occurred. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local evacuation route(s). Contact your local emergency management system for more information.

It is also important to train your workers to learn to identify wet weather related hazards and illnesses and the appropriate control measures to minimise risks.

4. Be prepared

Prior to the storm’s arrival, check and maintain a the necessary items to prepare the site for high winds, lightening and heavy rain. It may be beneficial to have a a Storm Ready Kit on each site incase you and your workers get stuck during a storm. If preparing a Storm Ready Kit it may include:

• flashlights
• emergency first aid kits
• bottled water
• batteries

5. Respond in a systematic manner

Use a Storm Response Checklist before the storm arrives to ensure appropriate safety control measures have been implemented. Prior to the storm’s arrival, take photos of the projects progress, secure any equipment/materials, recheck your Storm Ready Kit, and secure/protect pipes, drains and glass openings or windows. If it is still safe to work, reorganise activities so that workers remain in dry, sheltered areas until the weather clears.

6. Return to work safely

After the storm, ensure you have established inspection guidelines that must be conducted before work is resumed on site. Assess what works needs to be done following the storm, and identify any risks or hazards that may arise during the clean up and repair work (if applicable). Make sure you organise the order of the work to be conducted carefully so that new risks are not introduced.

Again, using a Site Re-commencement Checklist is a great way to adhere to safe return to work practices (example items). Checks may include ensuring any asbestos containing materials or dangerous chemicals are stored properly, correct equipment is available and is in good working order, water is swept or pumped away where ponding, appropriate first aid, clean drinking water and amenities are available to workers. Electrical hazards are one of the most recognisable dangers associated with wet weather so be sure to conduct the necessary electrical checks before beginning work. For more information on electrical safety during storms see the WorkSafe Queensland.

7. Support your workers

It is important to check in with your workers. Check with workers as to how they fared personally to the storm. Highlight any counselling services are available and encourage their use (if needed). Check that individuals allocated to perform work are not fatigued.

Stay Safe