Working in the Wind

When we think of hazards due to high winds, we think of cranes and lifts. They are obviously more affected by high winds and shut down at certain speeds. But what about the rest of site? There are still hazards for everyone else on site when it come to those gusty days.

Most hazards are from working at heights. In extreme winds, tools and debris can easily be blown from heights. Make sure to have everything secured tightly. Try using tool lanyards and only bring what you need. Never leave tools and equipment unattended. When you come down, so do your tools. If you’re working in a hoarding (ugh welding on crazy windy days… every welders dream😬) cut tiny slits up high on the hoarding to let the wind go through, otherwise you will end up losing the whole thing.  I would suggest using a chin strap or lanyard on your hard hat… A windy day is not the day you want your lid taking off. Just because you are diligent about securing tools, doesn’t mean everyone else is. If your lid blows off, you are vulnerable to being struck by blowing debris. This is also the time to be over cautious about eye protection. Even dirt being blown around can cause serious problems if it gets into your eye. If you need to throw some goggles over your safety glasses, do so. Stay down wind from any loads being moved and from any fumes. Watch out for things laying around.  Slips, trips and falls are very common during wind storms. You may trip on items blown around by the wind; or in extreme cases, the wind may push you over. Believe it or not, you can get injured just by trying to open or close a vehicle door in the wind. So try and avoid it and park the vehicle so the wind is coming on the other side.

Working in the wind is the worst… especially for us welders. In extreme cases, most sites will halt work till it calms down. However; if you have to work through it, take extra precautions, secure and tie down everything, stay out of the line of fire, work slowly and carefully. Maybe try clicking your heels together 3 times like Dorothy. 🤷