Product Overview

Summary: This Wet Weather Operations Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls for working safely in rain, storms and adverse weather conditions. It helps Australian businesses protect workers, plant and the public while maintaining productivity and complying with WHS laws when conditions suddenly change.

Wet weather can quickly turn an otherwise safe worksite into a high‑risk environment, with slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, electrical hazards and unstable ground conditions. This Wet Weather Operations Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach for assessing conditions, modifying work methods and, where necessary, suspending activities to keep people safe. It gives your supervisors a clear decision‑making framework so they are not relying on guesswork when the rain sets in or storms roll through.

Designed for Australian workplaces across construction, civil works, utilities, logistics and maintenance, this SOP addresses the practical realities of working outdoors and in partially enclosed environments. It outlines triggers for stopping high‑risk tasks such as work at height, crane lifts, excavation and electrical work, and sets out how to secure plant, protect materials and manage site access during and after wet weather. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, reduce incidents like slips, falls and vehicle skids, and minimise disruption by planning for wet weather rather than reacting to it.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, defensible decisions about when to start, modify or stop work during wet weather events.
• Reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and vehicle incidents caused by wet, muddy or flooded surfaces.
• Protect workers from electrical, structural and excavation hazards that are heightened in rain and storms.
• Maintain productivity by planning alternative tasks and adjusted work methods for wet weather conditions.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties through documented risk assessments and control measures for adverse weather.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Civil Works Supervisors
• Maintenance Team Leaders
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• Facilities Managers
• HSE Advisors
• Field Service Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on wet, muddy or algae‑covered surfaces
• Vehicle skidding, bogging and loss of control on wet roads or unsealed surfaces
• Electrical shock or electrocution from water‑affected electrical equipment and leads
• Falling from height due to slippery access ladders, scaffolds or roof surfaces
• Ground instability, trench collapse and erosion around excavations
• Falling objects from wind‑affected structures, scaffolds, cranes or unsecured loads
• Reduced visibility for plant operators, drivers and pedestrians
• Exposure to cold, wind and rain leading to hypothermia or illness
• Flooding of work areas, pits, basements and service corridors
• Contamination of stormwater from disturbed sediments, fuels and chemicals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Weather Classifications
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Pre‑Planning for Wet Weather (Risk Assessment and Work Scheduling)
• 5.0 Weather Monitoring and Triggers for Action
• 6.0 Site Preparation and Housekeeping for Wet Conditions
• 7.0 Controls for Work at Height in Wet Weather
• 8.0 Controls for Plant, Vehicles and Traffic Management in Wet Weather
• 9.0 Controls for Electrical Work and Portable Equipment in Wet Conditions
• 10.0 Controls for Excavations, Trenches and Ground Stability
• 11.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing Requirements
• 12.0 Adjusted Work Methods and Alternative Tasks During Wet Weather
• 13.0 Suspension of Work and Site Shutdown Criteria
• 14.0 Post‑Weather Event Inspections and Re‑Commencement of Work
• 15.0 Environmental Protection and Stormwater Management
• 16.0 Training, Communication and Toolbox Talks
• 17.0 Incident Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Excavation Work Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use
• AS 1742 series: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for temporary traffic management in adverse weather)