Severe weather conditions can be detrimental to worksites by damaging equipment, compromising structural integrity, delaying project timelines, and putting workers at risk. However, employers can take measures to reduce these risks. This article outlines common weather hazards affecting construction sites and provides practical steps employers can take to prepare for severe weather.
Types of Weather Hazards
Extreme weather can come in many forms. Before preparing your jobsite, it’s important to understand the types of severe weather most likely to affect it, as these can vary by season and location. The following are common weather conditions that can impact jobsites:
- Strong winds—High winds, which can accompany tornadoes or hurricanes, can bring unwanted debris into the jobsite, throw equipment around, and, in extreme cases, compromise the integrity of a structure.
- Heavy rain and flooding—Water is one of the most damaging forces to any jobsite. Jobsites with inadequate drainage may flood, and heavy rain can damage unprotected electrical equipment.
- Winter conditions—Winter weather brings its own unique set of exposures, such as ice that poses slip, trip, and fall hazards as well as cold temperatures that may lead to hypothermia.
How to Prepare the Jobsite
While employers may not be able to weatherproof their jobsites fully, the following measures can help prevent damage and allow construction crews to continue work as soon as possible:
- Develop an emergency action plan. Create a detailed and well-practiced plan that accounts for site-specific exposures, protects equipment and workers, and assigns clear roles to employees. Review and update the plan regularly, especially at the start of severe weather seasons.
- Monitor the weather continuously. When inclement weather is forecasted, designate one person to monitor for weather alerts. Keep a weather radio or computer on-site at all times. Establish clear thresholds, such as wind speeds or storm categories, that will automatically trigger your emergency action plan.
- Communicate with local building officials to align plans and verify the site does not pose risks to nearby properties or residents.
- Secure or remove equipment and materials in preparation for a storm or severe weather. Be sure to include dumpsters, cranes, signage, electronics and documents, hazardous chemicals, and utility systems, among other equipment. For machinery, follow manufacturer guidelines for proper operation and storage, and do not operate machinery during a storm.
- Prepare for water intrusion and debris. Create and maintain temporary drainage systems in areas that are especially susceptible to flooding. Do not install finished elements such as flooring and drywall until windows, doors, and the roof have been installed watertight. If necessary, install temporary roofs where installation of the permanent roof may be delayed. Additionally, have a plan to remove any storm debris after severe weather.
- Secure the structure. Consider boarding windows, doors, and openings and building a sandbag perimeter to prevent flooding. Brace framing and anchor walls to the framework as soon as it is constructed. Pay special attention to any partially completed sections of the structure that may be more vulnerable to wind or rain damage.
- Conduct a post-storm evaluation. Before resuming work, carefully inspect the site to identify damaged equipment and areas that require attention to protect worker safety.
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