There is one element in the construction business that we have no control over: the weather.
However, we can control how the weather affects the safety of a project.
Wind:
Can blow dust in your eyes. Safety glasses can help.
Can blow materials and people off scaffolds, roofs, or higher floors. Tool lanyards can help.
Can blow down poorly braced formwork or newly framed walls.
Lightning:
Often electrical storms occur without any rain. Protect yourself under cover if lightning is present.
Be sure to stay away from any type of tall object.
If working around iron or rebar and lighting is seen, clear the area.
Rain, Sleet, Ice and Snow:
All four are wet, some are cold, and all can cause slips, trips and falls.
Snow, sleet, and ice can cover floor openings and cause more slips, trips, and falls.
Mud can result in pulled muscles from straining.
Water, ice, and snow can affect trenches and other excavations.
Closely inspect all excavations to determine changing conditions in stormy weather.
Water, when it accumulates on a jobsite, increases the chances for electrocution.
Additional Discussion:
- What other weather elements can adversely affect the jobsite?
- Who has the authority to shut down a job because of the danger of high winds, lighting etc.?
Remember:
When dealing with the weather and the effects of it on a construction project, use common sense and try to minimize the adverse effects.
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