Earlier this month at Pine Energy, we had a toolbox talk about unexpected weather conditions with a focus on thunderstorms storms.
We work outside in exposed environments. Weather can change fast, and construction sites don’t offer much shelter when it does.
Here’s what we covered:
Supervisors should consult weather reports before the work day starts. Plan ahead and know the audible if bad weather occurs.
Darkening clouds and increasing wind speeds are early warnings of developing thunderstorms. Don’t wait for the storm to arrive to start making decisions.
When a storm hits, know where to go in a storm. Seek a fully enclosed building and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. Avoid isolated tall trees, hilltops, utility poles, cell phone towers, cranes, large equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops. Avoid open fields. Never lie flat on the ground. Low-lying areas like valleys or ditches can provide shelter from lightning but watch for flooding.
Know your site’s Site Specific Safety Plan. Every site has one. And know the company’s Emergency Action Plan. Every worker should know what to do when bad weather strikes.
Mud is its own hazard. Avoid driving into excessively muddy areas or down slick slopes. If a foot gets stuck in the mud, work it out slowly by moving it back and forth. Yanking causes injury. Keep equipment steps clean and remove mud from boots before climbing. Always maintain three points of contact.
Weather doesn’t follow the schedule. We plan for it anyway.