In light of the recent hurricanes in the Southeast, it's crucial to remember the impact high winds can have on construction safety. Weather is a major factor in our ability to work safely outdoors. While rain, snow, ice, and heat often take center stage, the hazards of wind should not be underestimated. Here’s what you need to know about the risks posed by high winds and how to stay safe.

Hazards Created by the Wind

‍High winds can present various hazards on a construction site, such as:

• Strains and sprains from wind forcefully pulling doors from operators’ hands.
• Struck-by incidents from airborne objects.
• Slips, trips, and falls when reacting to falling objects like hardhats.
• Eye injuries from flying debris and dust.
• Dropped loads during lifts.
• Objects falling from elevated surfaces.
• Dump truck tip-overs.

Best Practices to Mitigate Wind Hazards

• Eliminate tasks that become dangerous in high winds.
• Park trucks and equipment to shield operators from wind exposure.
• Avoid reacting to dropped items, especially on elevated surfaces.
• Halt lifting operations during high wind events, using an anemometer to monitor speeds.
• Stay clear of dangerous areas, such as below lifted loads or downwind from dust.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when necessary.

Summary

‍Preplanning is key to maintaining safety on construction sites. Weather conditions, particularly high winds, dictate the safety of certain tasks. Make sure to plan accordingly, avoid hazardous activities during high wind events, and implement extra precautions to protect all workers. Stay safe out there, team!

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