Safe Work Procedure: Inclement Weather Policy for Construction Activities

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the guidelines and procedures to be followed during inclement weather conditions at all construction sites. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in construction activities. This SWP aims to ensure the safety and health of all personnel by providing a framework for decision-making and action during adverse weather events. This procedure covers general storms, snow/ice weather, and lightning stand-down procedures for outdoor construction activities, including safe work radius and safe shelter time before returning to work after the last indicated lightning strike.

2. Definitions

Inclement Weather: Weather conditions that may pose a hazard to personnel or equipment, including but not limited to lightning, heavy rain, high winds, snow, ice, extreme temperatures, and any combination thereof.

Lightning Stand-Down: A temporary suspension of outdoor work activities due to the presence or imminent threat of lightning in the vicinity.

Safe Work Radius: The minimum distance from a lightning strike within which all outdoor work activities must cease. [Define distance based on regulatory requirements and site-specific risk assessment]

Safe Shelter: A location that provides adequate protection from the hazards of inclement weather, such as a fully enclosed building or a vehicle with a metal roof and closed windows.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Monitor weather conditions and forecasts regularly.
Make decisions regarding work stoppage and resumption based on weather conditions and this SWP.
Communicate weather-related safety information to all workers.
Ensure that all workers have access to safe shelter during inclement weather.
Enforce the requirements of this SWP.

3.2 Workers

Monitor weather conditions and report any concerns to their supervisor.
Follow supervisor's instructions regarding work stoppage and resumption.
Seek safe shelter immediately when instructed or when lightning or other hazardous weather conditions are observed.
Adhere to all safety precautions outlined in this SWP.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP.
Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on weather-related safety issues.
Conduct periodic reviews of this SWP to ensure its effectiveness.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Lightning	Electrocution, burns, injury from indirect strikes	Monitor weather, implement lightning stand-down procedures, seek safe shelter 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Heavy Rain	Reduced visibility, slips, trips, and falls, flooding	Provide adequate drainage, use slip-resistant footwear, adjust work practices, postpone work if necessary [1]
High Winds	Falling objects, structural collapse, loss of control of equipment	Secure materials and equipment, postpone work at heights, monitor wind speeds
Snow and Ice	Slips, trips, and falls, reduced visibility, frostbite, hypothermia	Provide snow and ice removal, use slip-resistant footwear, wear appropriate clothing, take frequent breaks in warm areas [1]
General Storms	Reduced visibility, falling objects, wind damage	Monitor weather, secure the site, postpone work if necessary

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for minimizing the risks associated with inclement weather conditions.

High-visibility apparel: To ensure visibility in low-light conditions or during heavy rain or snow.
Slip-resistant footwear: To prevent slips, trips, and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
Waterproof clothing: To protect against rain and snow.
Insulated gloves and hats: To prevent frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather.
Eye protection: To protect against wind-blown debris and glare from snow or ice.

Inspect PPE before each use and replace any damaged or worn items immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the correct equipment and tools is crucial for maintaining safety during inclement weather.

Weather monitoring devices: To track weather conditions and provide early warnings of approaching storms.
Snow and ice removal equipment: To clear walkways and work areas of snow and ice.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): To prevent electrical shock in wet conditions [2].
Lighting: Ensure sufficient lighting to enable work to be done safely 9, 14.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use and ensure they are in good working condition.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must receive training on this Inclement Weather Policy and related safety procedures. Training should cover hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, and emergency procedures [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing before the start of each shift to discuss potential weather-related hazards and review the control measures to be implemented. Include a review of the weather forecast and any specific precautions to be taken [3].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure that the work area is properly drained to prevent flooding.
Clear walkways and work areas of obstructions and slip/trip hazards [4].
Secure all materials and equipment to prevent them from being blown away by high winds.
Ensure that adequate lighting is provided, especially during periods of reduced visibility 9, 14.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Lightning Stand-Down Procedure

Monitor Weather Conditions: Continuously monitor weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, local news, or on-site weather monitoring devices.
Establish Safe Work Radius: Define a safe work radius around the construction site. [Specify the distance, e.g., 10 miles]. If lightning is detected within this radius, a lightning stand-down must be initiated.
Initiate Stand-Down: Upon detection of lightning within the safe work radius, the supervisor must immediately initiate a lightning stand-down. All outdoor work activities must cease.
Seek Safe Shelter: All personnel must seek safe shelter immediately. Acceptable shelters include:
- Fully enclosed buildings
- Vehicles with a metal roof and closed windows
- Avoid being near or under tall isolated structures
Wait Time: Personnel must remain in safe shelter for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike within the safe work radius.
Resumption of Work: After the 30-minute wait time has elapsed and weather conditions have improved, the supervisor will assess the site for any hazards and provide clearance for work to resume.

General Storm Procedure

Monitor Weather Conditions: Continuously monitor weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, local news, or on-site weather monitoring devices.
Secure the Site: Secure any loose materials or equipment that could be blown away or damaged by the storm.
Seek Safe Shelter: If the storm is severe, all personnel should seek safe shelter in a designated area.
Wait for the All-Clear: Remain in the safe shelter until the storm has passed and the supervisor has given the all-clear to resume work.

Snow/Ice Weather Procedure

Monitor Weather Conditions: Continuously monitor weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, local news, or on-site weather monitoring devices.
Clear Walkways and Work Areas: Clear snow and ice from walkways, stairs, and work areas to prevent slips and falls.
Use Sand or Salt: Apply sand or salt to icy surfaces to improve traction.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers and wear waterproof and insulated clothing to stay warm and dry.
Take Frequent Breaks: Take frequent breaks in a warm area to prevent hypothermia.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Weather Monitoring: Continuously monitor weather conditions and forecasts to anticipate potential hazards.
Communication: Maintain clear communication channels to disseminate weather-related safety information to all personnel.
Safe Shelter: Identify and designate safe shelter locations on the construction site.
Work Stoppage: Be prepared to stop work if weather conditions become too hazardous.
Site Assessment: After any inclement weather event, conduct a thorough site assessment to identify and address any potential hazards before work resumes.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a weather-related emergency, follow these general procedures:

Activate the emergency alarm system.
Evacuate the work area to a designated safe shelter.
Account for all personnel.
Provide first aid to any injured workers.
Contact emergency services if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Lightning Strike: If a worker is struck by lightning, immediately call for medical assistance and provide first aid. Move the injured worker to a safe location and monitor their condition until help arrives.
Flash Flood: If a flash flood occurs, evacuate the work area immediately and move to higher ground. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas.
Tornado: If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a designated storm shelter or the lowest level of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and doors.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Project Manager]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to inclement weather must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

[Reference 1: Relevant OSHA or local regulations]
[Reference 2: Company safety manual]
[Reference 3: Weather monitoring service provider]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]