Product Overview

This Severe Weather Cyclones and High Wind Safety SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to manage risks associated with working during cyclones, storms, and strong wind events, helping you maintain WHS compliance in extreme conditions. It provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to planning, operating, and securing works in all phases of cyclonic and high wind conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning of work in predicted cyclonic, hurricane and severe storm conditions, including weather monitoring and trigger points for shutdown
• Safe operation of plant, equipment and vehicles in high wind conditions, including speed, stability and exclusion zones
• Managing work during strong wind conditions above 34 knots, including staged restrictions and cessation of high-risk activities
• Securing loose materials, tools, structures and temporary works in wind-prone areas to prevent airborne debris
• Safe work practices for outdoor tasks in windy conditions, including manual handling, working near edges and traffic exposure
• Emergency procedures for surviving sudden wind gusts and rapid weather deterioration on site
• Controls for working at height during high wind events, including scaffolds, EWP use and roof access limitations
• Risk management for cranes, lifting operations and suspended loads in cyclonic and high wind conditions
• Protection of workers from flying objects, falling objects and structural instability during extreme weather conditions
• Communication protocols, pre-start briefings and stop-work authority in response to severe weather warnings
• Site evacuation, muster, and shelter-in-place procedures for cyclones and severe storm events
• Post-event inspections of structures, access ways, electrical systems and plant before resuming work
• Coordination with principal contractors and emergency services for severe weather planning and response

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for construction contractors, civil and infrastructure crews, maintenance teams, mining and resources operations, and site supervisors working in areas exposed to cyclones, storms and high wind conditions.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe work environment, including during extreme weather events.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for safe use of plant and equipment in adverse weather and high wind conditions.
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Risk management principles for construction activities affected by cyclones, storms and strong winds.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with severe weather.
• AS/NZS 1170.2 Structural Design Actions – Wind Actions: Guidance on wind loads relevant to securing structures, temporary works and site installations.
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites: Requirements for safe temporary electrical installations in severe weather conditions.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017