With storm time soon to be back on the weather radar, job sites across Australia’s most cyclone-prone locations are preparing to batten down the hatches in anticipaiton for another season of wild weather.
Running from November through April, storm season threatens high winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, all of which can turn any building site into an unapproved demolition job.
In order to protect themselves from the effects of cyclones, storms and downpours, construction zones are being urged to gear up on their own form of PPE to protect both people and property.
Have a plan
Australian summers often bring dangerously hot weather and bushfires, but it’s not the sun that site managers and tradies need to worry about.
Cyclones and tropical lows can cause equally destructive flooding, while damaging winds are notorious for wreaking havoc on job sites. Preparing for these conditions requires both strong planning and sound safety practices.
Getting your site ready for storms and wet weather includes developing an emergency management plan for your site and training you and your staff to be aware of first aid and evacuation procedures.
Building an Emergency Management Plan (EMP) is vital to ensure everyone knows their role and what to do in the event of a storm to minimise damage, ensure safety and make returning to work as easy as possible.
Secure structures
Ensuring the structural stability of temporary buildings, sheds, and loose equipment is vital.
Statistics show that improperly secured structures are often toppled or sent flying in high winds, endangering anyone in the vicinity and causing some of the most costly damage within construction zones.
Properly securing these structures isn’t just about meeting building standards—it’s about preventing a small oversight from turning into a disaster that could cost timely and expensive reworks.
It is imperative to ensure all structures, such as single or multi-modular office units, sheds or portaloos, are secured to pre-installed concrete and steel pedestals and cannot come loose.
WorkSafe Health and Safety executive director Sam Jenkin said strong winds could turn unsecured objects like temporary structures, roofing, scaffolding, and fencing into “dangerous projectiles” capable of causing significant damage and harm.
“Severe weather events, including potentially destructive winds, need to be treated like any other hazard in a workplace,” he said.
“Loose objects must be removed or suitably secured so that they don’t blow away and become a danger to workers and the general public.”
“Employers should plan ahead, including by consulting with their workers and health and safety representatives, and prepare a tailored strategy for their individual circumstances.”
Pack up tools
Loose equipment and tools can become dangerous projectiles in a storm, putting people, property, and future productivity at risk.
As storm warnings come in, secure anything that could turn hazardous. Store away smaller tools in locked containers or storage units. Loose gear left out can easily be swept up in high winds, damaging property and endangering nearby workers.
Heavy machinery such as cranes, diggers, and loaders should be parked on stable ground with brakes engaged, while any smaller machinery that can’t be moved indoors should be anchored to secure points.
Protect electrical equipment and sensitive gear using waterproof tarps or cases to keep out rain and water, as replacements post-storm could be costly and slow, delaying projects significantly.
Suit up for storm season
Having the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) will be crucial in both storm preparation and post-storm clean-up.
Make sure your team is equipped to face unpredictable weather conditions and any potential hazards that follow; this can be done with a pre-storm brief to ensure every worker knows where PPE is stored and how to use it.
Storm-prep essentials include wet-weather gear, gloves, goggles, and hard hats, which are easily accessible to keep workers safe during any last-minute site preparations.
Meanwhile, chemical spills and water damage can create hazards after a storm, so sites must be equipped with respirators, extra gloves, first aid, and spill kits to handle potential contamination or dangerous materials.
Secure it off
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to be during and after a storm. Keeping access restricted and secured is essential.
Before any weather events, check and reinforce perimeter fencing to ensure it remains intact and secure.
Mark restricted areas with “No Entry” and hazard warning signs where work is still underway or conditions remain unsafe.
After the event, limiting entry to the site and high-risk areas is critical to essential personnel familiar with those zones’ risks and can proceed with cleanup tasks.
Emergency power
Storms often bring power outages, which can last days. Job sites need reliable lighting and backup power to maintain safety and help with cleanup to ensure workers get back on track as soon as possible.
Having generators available is essential for power tools, lighting, and site operations if the primary power source is cut off.
Meanwhile, having solar or battery-powered portable lighting on hand can help illuminate high-traffic, high-risk zones when there is a power outage.
Drainage prevention
Heavy rains and tropical lows can lead to water pooling, flooding, and erosion around the job site. Site management should ensure drainage systems are ready to handle the extra load before the storm hits.
Ensure all gutters, drains, and stormwater pathways are debris-free to allow rainwater to flow away from critical work areas and clear drainage paths.
Having portable pumps ready in flood-prone sites can help quickly remove water and prevent pooling in work areas.
