SEA/General/TBT-SEA-003

Working in High Winds

Seasonal & Weather › General › Working in High Winds

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High winds create multiple hazards on construction sites including falls, blown objects, crane incidents, and structural collapse.
Wind speed must be monitored continuously using an anemometer or weather station at exposed locations on site.
Most mobile cranes must cease operations when wind speeds reach 38 mph — tower cranes may have different limits.
Working at height on scaffolds, roofs, and steel structures becomes extremely dangerous as wind speed increases.
Unsecured materials, sheeting, and loose items become projectiles in high winds, striking workers and damaging property.
Scaffold sheeting and debris netting act as sails, dramatically increasing wind loading on the scaffold structure.
Temporary structures including hoardings, fencing, signage, and welfare units can overturn in strong gusts.
The Beaufort scale helps estimate wind conditions: Force 6 (25–31 mph) makes working at height difficult and unsafe.
Wind speed increases significantly at height — ground level readings may underestimate conditions at the working platform.
A wind action plan with defined trigger points and stop-work criteria must be in place for all exposed work activities.

Falls from height	Wind gusts unbalance workers on scaffolds, roofs, and steel, causing fatal falls — stop-work triggers save lives.
Flying objects	Unsecured materials become lethal projectiles in high winds — securing everything on site prevents struck-by injuries.
Crane incidents	Cranes operating beyond their wind limits risk load swing, boom collapse, and overturn — strict limits are non-negotiable.

Don't

Monitor wind speed continuously using an anemometer at exposed locations on site.
Follow the wind action plan with defined trigger points for each work activity.
Stop crane operations when wind speed reaches the crane's maximum operating limit.
Cease work at height on scaffolds and roofs when wind makes conditions unsafe.
Secure all loose materials, sheeting, and equipment before wind speeds increase.
Check scaffold sheeting and netting for damage that increases wind loading.
Inspect temporary structures after high winds for damage, displacement, or instability.
Measure wind speed at the working height, not just at ground level.
Brief workers on stop-work wind speed triggers at the start of every shift.
Shelter workers during high wind events and resume only when conditions improve.

DON'T ignore rising wind speeds — monitor conditions and act on trigger points.
DON'T continue crane operations above the maximum wind speed limit for the crane.
DON'T work at height on exposed scaffolds or roofs during strong or gusty winds.
DON'T leave materials, tools, or sheeting unsecured where wind can carry them.
DON'T allow damaged scaffold sheeting to remain — it increases wind load dangerously.
DON'T assume temporary structures are stable in high winds — inspect after every event.
DON'T rely on ground-level readings — wind is significantly stronger at height.
DON'T send workers onto exposed structures without checking the current wind speed.
DON'T pressure workers to continue in unsafe wind conditions to maintain programme.
DON'T resume work after a wind event without inspecting all structures for damage.

See also: Winter Working Safety | Scaffold Ties & Stability

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