Stay alert and talk with your crew about wind safety
High winds are an unavoidable challenge on our job sites, impacting both personal safety and equipment operation. During your safety meetings, discuss the preventive and mitigative controls that will keep your crew and job site safe.
Crew Safety
Monitor Weather Conditions: High winds increase the risk of fire and materials blowing away. Stay informed about wind speeds and potential gusts, and be prepared to adjust work accordingly.
Wear Proper PPE: Use Z87+ rated safety glasses or goggles to protect against airborne debris, and secure hard hats and high-visibility gear to prevent them from being blown away.
Stay Clear of Wind-Blown Hazards: Be aware of loose materials, unstable structures, and overhead loads that could become airborne or shift unexpectedly.
Report Hazards Immediately: If you see unsecured materials, damaged equipment, or unsafe conditions, use stop work authority and notify your supervisor or safety lead right away.
Heavy Equipment & Crane Operations
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always adhere to the wind speed limits for operating cranes and other lifting equipment.
Secure All Loads Properly: Use appropriate rigging techniques to ensure materials are stable before lifting.
Watch for Wind-Induced Load Swing: Even minor wind gusts can cause loads to shift unpredictably—maintain communication with spotters and signalers at all times.
Park Equipment Safely: When not in use, lower crane booms, secure loose parts, and park equipment in areas shielded from strong winds.
Suspend Work When Necessary: If winds exceed safe operating limits, stop work immediately and wait for conditions to improve.
Recognizing Crew Safety
Across our main projects, crews have remained vigilant, implementing proper controls to ensure worksite safety despite challenging conditions:
HVDC Project: Blowing dust created visibility issues, but crews responded by wearing proper PPE, including goggles, to prevent eye injuries. Air monitoring systems were used indoors to maintain safe working conditions.
Transmission Line: Strong winds impacted crane operations, yet teams worked closely with safety personnel to ensure all lifts were performed within manufacturer specifications and company policies.
Wind Project: Periodic work stoppages were necessary due to high winds. Crews focused on securing materials, reinforcing housekeeping, and keeping sites clear of wind-blown debris to maintain a safe environment.
We appreciate the dedication and attention to detail our crews have shown in managing wind-related hazards. Your commitment to securing materials, using proper PPE, and following operational guidelines has been key in preventing incidents. Keep up the great work, stay vigilant, and continue to make safety your top priority!