Write a risk assessment for weather hazards high wind, reduce visibility

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# Weather - High Winds (cont.) ## What are some steps to take during high winds? (cont.) - Bring in pets or livestock for shelter. - If driving and unable to find shelter in a building, stay in your vehicle. If possible, move to an area where you will be less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines. - Keep a distance from high vehicles such as transport trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers. Strong gusts of wind can flip these vehicles. - Use buildings or vehicles to help block the wind. - Wear fall protection and secure yourself properly when working at heights. - Wear safety glasses or goggles, as appropriate, and secure PPE as necessary. - Monitor wind speeds throughout the day when working outdoors and operating equipment. - Tether your tools to prevent them from being swept up by the wind. Be - cautious when using power tools, as wind can affect your precision. - When operating equipment, verify the manufacturer's operating instructions on high winds and maximum wind speeds. - Assess nearby hazards from trees, powerlines and other items in the surrounding area. ## DO NOT - Do not perform lifting operations, use cranes, or conduct similar activities when it is unsafe to do so. Do not overload structures and scaffolding. High winds can increase the stress on them. - Do not work at heights when high winds are forecasted. - Do not reach or try to grab an object such as your hard hat if it blows away. - Do not shelter in large open areas inside buildings, such as gymnasiums or malls. - Do not shelter in between two buildings where a wind tunnel effect may occur. - Do not assume conditions will remain steady and rely on initial weather assessment. Wind conditions can change quickly. Fact sheet first published: 2019-08-09 Fact sheet last revised: 2025-01-21 Disclaimer Weather High Winds CCOHS

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# Weather - High Winds (cont.) ## What are examples of hazards when working in high wind conditions? (cont.) This document covers general situations when working in high winds. For other related topics, please see the OSH Answers for information such as Working in the Cold and Weather - Lightning. ## Is wind an issue in Canada? Yes, it can be. Winds can be the result of tropical storms, low pressure systems or fronts, thunderstorms, Chinooks or local geography. Environment and Climate Change Canada state that most of Canada will experience wind damage from "straight-line" winds. Straight-line winds are winds that move horizontally along the ground away from thunderstorms. They may also be known as microbursts, downbursts, squall lines, plough lines, or derechos. Winds can also contain swirling dust and debris. Straight-line winds can be as strong as tornados, but they can cause more destruction as they cover a much larger area. Generally speaking, Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a wind warning when conditions include a sustained wind of 70km/h or more, and /or gusts up to 90 km/h or more (Note: there are some regional variations for when wind warnings are issued). At winds between 60 and 70 km/h, you will have difficulty with balance and walking against the wind. High wind combined with heavy rain increases the risk of tree limbs breaking or trees uprooting. ## What are some steps to take during high winds? The level of activity will depend on the wind speed, but general steps include: DO Eliminate tasks or stop work when that work becomes too dangerous due to high winds. - During a high wind event, inspect your workspace for items that can be picked up by the wind and secure them or store them in an indoor space. - Secure all items such as by bringing indoors or by using weights, ropes, chains, or stakes. - Secure latches, doors, windows, scaffolding, ladders, etc. - Be aware when carrying or lifting large objects, such as plywood, tha…

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# AERIAL LIFT SAFETY ## WHAT IS AN AERIAL LIFT? According to OSHA, an aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel, including: • Extendable boom platforms • Aerial ladders • Articulating (jointed) boom platforms . Vertical towers • Any combination of the above. Work from or around aerial lifts presents many significant hazards. These include Power line contact or contact with other overhead obstructions, falls from elevation, tip-overs, being ejected from the lift basket, structural failure of the lift, objects falling from the and striking persons below, causing injury. Injuries from aerial lift accidents can be devastating and life-threatening, life-altering, or fatal. When broken down by trade, electricians had the most deaths (25%), followed construction laborers (15% ), electrical power installers and repairers (13%), painters (8%), and carpenters (5%). lift Additionally, most falls/collapses/tip-overs were within the height category of 10-29 feet. Tip-overs comprised 44-46% of boom-lift falls and 56-59% of scissor-lift falls. Constructing and repairing activities were associated with fall/collapse/tip-over incidents. ## HAZARDS AND HAZARD PREVENTION TIPS WHEN OPERATING AERIAL LIFTS Falls: This is the most common cause f aerial lift fatalities. Severe injuries or deaths can result from falls. Falls from aerial lifts often occur from improper lift operation and/or not using adequate fall protection equipment. To prevent falls from aerial lifts: • Ensure that access gates or openings are closed • Stand firmly on the floor of the lift platform or bucket • Do not climb on or lean over guardrails • Do not use planks, ladders, other devices to extend the working position • Use a body harness with a tether or lanyard attached to the boom bucket If Tip-overs can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed when using aerial lifts. Ensure the ground a lift is traveling or positioned on is free from bumps, holes, depres…

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# Reducing Falls During Residential Construction: Installing Tile Roofs (cont.) ## Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) (cont.) their workers using the following equipment: - Scaffolds - Aerial lifts • Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) - Guardrails ## Preparing the Work Site Safeguarding against hazards is as important to preventing fatal falls as having good fall protection equipment. When work begins on a roof, employers must prepare the site by protecting workers from situations that could cause them to fall. ## Wet or windy weather Roofing should only be performed when weather permits. Wind and rain put workers at a greater risk for falling. In damp or windy weather, put work on hold until conditions improve. Skylights and openings: Every year, workers die from falling through openings and weak surfaces on roofs. Employers must protect employees working around skylights and roof openings with covers, PFAS or guardrails. Accessing the roof: Safe roof access is as impor- tant as having effective fall protection while on the roof. Employers must provide safe access and make sure that workers know how to get up and down from a roof in a way that minimizes the risk of falling. Extension ladders must extend at least three (3) feet above the roof level to ensure safe access to the roof. For other requirements on the safe use of ladders, refer to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart ✗- Stairways and Ladders. Stage your materials: Preventing falls is as much about reducing the risks around workers as it is about having the right fall protection equipment. Be sure to put all working materials in safe spots. Loose tiles and hand-held equipment create trip- ping hazards on the roof surface. Workers can fall after tripping or slipping on something they did not see. While walking on the roof and carrying materials, the worker should keep the materials on the down-sloped edge to prevent the materials from falling into the worker if the materials are dropped. ## Performing Edgewor…

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# How is traffic control managed? (cont.) ## What kind of safety devices are used in traffic control layouts? (cont.) Temporary crash cushions absorb the energy of a collision, have the advantage of being easily restored, and can be used in temporary situations where quick setup and removal the work zone is needed. ## What type of personal protection equipment is recommended? The personal protection equipment must be adequate for the job. Road workers should generally wear a hard hat with retro-reflective striping, CSA-certified protective footwear, and a highly visible vest or clothing. In general, you should wear high-visibility clothing that complies with the CSA Standard Z96-22 High-Visibility Safety Apparel. Consult the CSA Standard or check with your provincial legislation for specific requirements. What are general tips when working on or near roads? - Do not work on the edge or outside of the work zone. - Do not unload or load a vehicle from the side with active traffic. - Work facing oncoming traffic. - Appoint, as necessary, a traffic control person who meets the training requirements established by the regulatory body. - If a traffic control person is deemed necessary, place a sign in advance of the person to indicate their presence. In an emergency situation, placement of signs may not be possible. Ensure the traffic control person is clearly visible. - As a driver of a work vehicle, avoid backing up. If backing up is required, reverse slowly. Use a signaller to increase safety. - Use vehicles and mobile equipment equipped with warning devices when backing up. - Control the release of dust that may reduce visibility by periodically spraying the area with water. - Wear appropriate personal protection equipment, and make sure that the equipment is maintained in good order. - Make sure that the work vehicles are highly visible, and clean. Consider marking the sides and rear of the vehicle with retro-reflective tape. - Place lighting eq…

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## PPE required (cont.) OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services # Hazard assessment worksheet: Torso protection Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted postal code] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] osha.oregon.gov Work task: Date ## Potential hazards - No hazards requiring torso protection - Extreme temperatures Hot splashes from molten metal and other hot liquids - Impacts from tools, machinery, and materials Hazardous chemicals lonizing radiation Other hazard: ## PPE required None required Chemical resistant coveralls Cut-resistant sleeves, wristlets Flame-resistant jacket Flame-resistant pants High visibility garment Insulated jacket, hood Lab coat or apron Static control coats or coveralls Other PPE: 440-5871 (07/23/COM)

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# WIND HAZARDS (cont.) ## Powerlines downed, resulting in: (cont.) Structural instability, resulting in: • Compromised structure strength or stability. • Structure collapse. • - Collapses of buildings, scaffolding, fences, towers, and other structures and heavy equipment. - Objects not secured on elevated surfaces, resulting in: • Potentially heavy or sharp objects being forcefully blown from elevated surfaces. ## REDUCING HAZARDS OF HIGH WINDS Working in high wind conditions can be challenging and may pose serious safety hazards to workers. Therefore, supervisors must have a plan in place for when weather conditions worsen, and people are put at risk. It is important to take proper precautions, train employees on what to do during high winds, and ensure that protocols are followed to keep workers safe while on the job. Managers should consider the dangerous impact that high winds may have on their industrial site and how they can put employee safety at risk. The following are precautions that should be taken if high winds are forecasted for the area: • - Eliminate or postpone work tasks that become dangerous in excessively windy conditions. • Never allow work to be done on elevated surfaces during high wind events. • Secure or tie down all loose materials during high wind events. - Beware of debris falling from elevated surfaces. • Avoid using heavy machines. - Park trucks and equipment opposite where operators enter and exit. • Use an anemometer to measure wind speeds. • Shutter windows and doors, remain inside, and bring in unsecured items. • Do not attempt to conduct lifting operations during high wind events. Many companies use an anemometer to monitor wind speeds and have a certain wind speed that constitutes a stoppage of lifting activities. • Never stand in the line of fire, whether below a lifted load, next to a truck dumping material, or downwind from blowing dust. • Wearing eye protection is critical to prevent small debris particl…

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# WIND HAZARDS Date Published: 05/12/2025 ## Wind Hazards Construction site safety in Washington State is significantly impacted by the weather. Construction sites are exposed to various weather conditions throughout the year, ranging from heavy rain and snow to extreme temperatures and high winds. Wind-related hazards can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities on construction sites. Specifically, the coastal areas of Washington State can experience strong winds, which can cause significant damage to construction sites. High winds can knock over temporary structures, such as scaffolding and cranes, and create a risk of falls from heights for workers on elevated platforms or exposed areas. Additionally, debris such as rocks, branches, and construction materials can be blown around, posing a hazard for workers and equipment. ## DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN WIND GUSTS AND WIND SPEED Wind events can come in different forms, each with unique characteristics and risks. Typically, winds are classified as high if they range from 10 to 40 mph. However, wind speed is not the only factor that determines a wind event's potential for damage. A wind gust is a sudden burst of wind that is often briefer and stronger than the average wind speed. Wind speed is measured in knots, and wind gusts can be up to 40% stronger than wind speed at any given time. They are often entirely unpredictable. Understanding this principle can help plan for the unpredictable stronger gusts. Note: High wind could be considered to be wind speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour or 30 miles per hour when handling material. ## HIGH WIND HAZARDS The exact scope of work will determine what hazards high winds can create on a worksite. Some hazards created by high winds that are universal for many construction jobs are: ## HIGH WINDS CAN CAUSE Workers lose balance on an elevated location, such as scaffolding, ladder, or roof, resulting in: • Falls that can cause severe injury or deat…

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CCOHS CCHST Weather Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Weather - High Winds ## On this page What are examples of hazards when working in high wind conditions? What are some steps to take during high winds? Is wind an issue in Canada? ## What are examples of hazards when working in high wind conditions? High winds may be the result of a storm, hurricane, tornado or other weather event. Hazards include: - Potential for injury when wind moves objects - Eye injuries from dust or debris in the air - Sprains or strains when the wind forces workers to fall, when workers try to reach for an object that is moving away from them, or when the wind pulls objects/doors from their hands - Potential for injury from broken glass as a result of objects striking a window or a door swinging with force - Exposure to skin, especially in the cold - Loads, equipment or vehicles that fall, drop, or tip over - Breaking of branches or uprooting of trees - Collapse of building, roof, scaffolding, fencing, towers, etc. - Broken power lines, leading to risk of electrocution and loss of electricity - Reduced visibility (due to dust, snow, etc.) - Spreading of fire from sparks or equipment - Operating suspended equipment (swing stages, cranes...) - Wildfire spread Weather - High Winds CCOHS

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# Traffic Control For Part 58. Aerial Work Platforms (cont.) ## The five categories of work duration are: (cont.) Page 2 Traffic Control For Part 58. Aerial Work Platforms ## What do I need to know about a work zone? There are four components to a work zone: • Advance Warning Area - This is the section of the highway that informs of an up-coming work area. • Transition Area - This is the section of the highway that moves traffic out of its normal path. • Activity Area - This is the section of the highway where the work activity takes place. . Termination Area - This is the section of the highway where traffic returns to normal. Refer to Part 6 of the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for more in-depth information. ## What types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are required? Traffic regulators have always been required to wear head, eye, and foot protection along with high-visibility reflective vests. The vests must be ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 or Class 3 High-Visibility Apparel. This requirement helps protect construction and maintenance crews by making them more visible in the workplace during both daytime and nighttime work. All employees that work within the road right of way are required to wear High-Visibility Apparel (see Section 6D.03 Workers safety Considerations in the MMUTCD). Part 58 requires the use of fall protection when working in an aerial lift platform. ## What type of training is needed for my employees? Part 6 of the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Section 6D.03(A) states: All workers should be trained on how to work next to motor vehicle traffic in a way that minimizes their vulnerability. Workers having specific TTC responsibilities must be trained in TTC techniques, device usage, and placement. All traffic regulators must be trained as required before starting work. Please see MDOT traffic regulator training documents: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT- Traffic RegulatorsManual 327…

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# HIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING FOR HEAVY & HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION (cont.) ## Workers Must Be Seen ## Fatalities Total 305 985 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "The most common 15 event associated with fatal occupational injuries incurred at a road construction site was worker struck by vehicle, mobile equipment. Of the [redacted street address] construction sites during the 2003-07period, 305 were due to a worker being struck by a vehicle or mobile equipment." The BLS 70 article further reports that more workers are struck and killed by construction 177 equipment (38 percent) than by cars, vans and tractor-trailers (33 percent). As such, work zone "runovers" and "backovers" are clearly the greatest hazard to roadway construction workers and, by far, the leading cause of death. 23 The use of high visibility clothing is one important strategy in reducing the number of "struck-by" deaths on road construction sites. 73 Dump Truck Pickup Truck Semi Truck Car Roller/Paver Grader/Planer/ Van Backhoe Scraper # HIGH VISIBILITY CLOTHING FOR HEAVY & HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION ## Standards and Regulations Several agencies of the federal U.S. government have specific standards and guidance with regards to the wearing of high vis- ibility clothing, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Federal Highway Admin- istration. These agencies most commonly reference an industry consensus standard issued by the International Safety Equipment Associa- tion (ISEA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This is known as the ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard or "American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear." ## ANSI/ISEA 107 This standard provides performance criteria for the materials to be used in high visibility PPE, specifies minimum areas and, where appropri- ate, recommends placement of the materials. Performance requirements focus on the color and brightness of garments and headwear relative to the work e…

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# High-Visibility Safety Apparel (cont.) ## What is High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA)? (cont.) High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) is needed if you work when there is low light and poor visibility, especially if you are working around moving vehicles (cars, trucks or other machinery traveling under their own power, such as forklifts, backhoes, etc). High-visibility items allow you to be seen by the drivers of those vehicles from farther away so that they can respond accordingly, which increases your safety at work. The human eye responds best to large, contrasting, bright or moving objects. Worker visibility is enhanced by high colour contrast between clothing and the work environment against which it is seen. ## When do I need High-Visibility Safety Apparel? Before selecting any high-visibility safety apparel, always confirm the legislative requirements for your jurisdiction. For example, certain tasks may require specific apparel. The CSA Standard recommends that a hazard assessment be carried out on each job site to evaluate the workplace or work site for known or potential hazards a worker can encounter while performing a job or task. This assessment helps determine the risk to workers of being hit by moving vehicles and the environmental conditions under which work is performed. For more information about risk assessments, please see the OSH Answers document Risk Assessment. When doing a hazard assessment where HVSA might be required, be sure to consider: - The type and nature of the work: - Do workers and mobile equipment need to interact? - Are workers controlling traffic or interacting with the public? - Do workers need to be visually identifiable from others in the area? - Are there industry specifications or good practices? - Potential exposures to heat or flames. - Work conditions, such as indoor or outdoor work, temperature, work rates, traffic flow, traffic volume, visibility, etc. - The workplace environment and the backgro…

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# Option 2 <table><tr><th></th><th></th><th colspan="5">Job Hazard Analysis Matrix</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Severity of Injury</td><td colspan="5">Probability of an Accident Occurring</td></tr><tr><td>Level</td><td>Description</td><td>A Frequent</td><td>B Several Times</td><td>C Occasional</td><td>D Possible</td><td>E Extremely Improbable</td></tr><tr><td>I</td><td>Fatal or Permanent Disability</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>||</td><td>Severe Illness or Injury</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2233</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>III</td><td>Minor Injury or illness</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>2-3</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>IV</td><td>No Injury or Illness</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td></td><td>3</td></tr></table> <table><tr><th colspan="3">Risk Priority</th></tr><tr><td>Code</td><td>Risk Level</td><td>Action Required</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>High</td><td>Work activities must be suspended immediately until hazard can be eliminated or controlled or reduced to a lower level.</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Medium</td><td>Job hazards are unacceptable and must be controlled by engineering, administrative, or personal protective equipment methods as soon as possible.</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Low</td><td>No real or significant hazard exists. Controls are not required but may increase the comfort level of employees.</td></tr></table> 3. Take action on the assessment. Depending on the assigned Risk Level/Code (or Risk priority), take the corresponding action according to the table above: • If Risk priority is LOW (3) for a task step → requires no further action. - Note: If you assign a risk code of 3, be sure that there isn't a WISHA standard that requires specific protection be provided. For example: WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] requires personal protective equipment when using compressed air for cleaning. - If Risk priority is MEDIUM (2) → select and implement appropriate controls. • If Risk priori…

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# Scissor Lift (cont.) ## Illustration 15 Hazard Chart (cont.) 1. Require construction plans and specifications to remove, relocate, bury, or de-energize powerlines before the crane or aerial lift appears at the work site. 2. Establish a worksite procedure to always barricade, flag, or mark the Danger Zone on the ground, where it is easily seen and shall not be violated (see Illustration 16). OSHA should include a requirement for a standard written procedure to first map the 10-foot powerline danger zone on the ground as shown in Illustration 16. This practice will provide guidance on how to stay out of the danger zone created by powerlines to both the crane operator and the rigging crew. Illustration 16: Danger Zone DANGER 154-10' 15' 30 15' ZONE Map and Barricade the 30 foot wide Danger Zone (15 feet on each side of the powerline poles). 24 24 24

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# MIOSHA Fact Sheet MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration # Scaffold Wind and Weather Protection Attaching weather protection systems to scaffolds is a typical work practice during the colder months on construction sites in Michigan. Not only do weather protection systems create a more comfortable working environment, but they are also a requisite factor when constructing masonry block walls. Typically, the newly placed masonry units need to be protected from the cold temperatures that are prevalent during the winter months. Keeping the newly placed blocks and mortar at a sufficiently warm temperature allows the mortar to achieve the designed strength that is necessary to ensure structural integrity. A common practice for maintaining warmer working temperatures is to wrap the scaffold in plastic sheathing, thus creating an enclosure to keep the cold out. While this may be a reasonable and economic method for controlling the atmosphere, it is not without hazards. The stability of the scaffold and structure can be compromised due to the wind, which consequently may expose employees to serious injuries and even death. Construction Standard Part 12, Scaffolds and Scaffold Platforms Rule 408.[redacted postal code](2) states: Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on a scaffold and that the employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed. It does not take a lot of wind speed to have a significant impact on a scaffold's stability. There have been several instances, including fatalities in Michigan, of scaffolds being overturned due to the wind. This has happened when weather protection had been installed without the proper stability considerations included in the scaffold design. It is imperative that scaffolds with weathe…