Working in Wet Weather Rain and Thunderstorms Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers work affected by rain, wet weather and thunderstorms. It supports planning and risk management by addressing weather changes, lightning, wet access surfaces, electrical equipment, plant movement, lifting and emergency actions.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Assess weather conditions before starting work and plan for rapid changes.
• Manage wet walkways, stairs, ramps, ladders and uneven ground to reduce slips, trips and falls.
• Respond to lightning and thunderstorm exposure in open or exposed areas.
• Use electrical equipment, leads and temporary power safely in wet conditions.
• Manage vehicle, plant and pedestrian movement where rain affects visibility, braking and ground control.
• Carry out work at height while managing wet surfaces, wind, reduced grip and falling objects.
• Plan lifting operations and suspended loads for wind, rain, visibility and tall-plant exposure.
• Handle slippery or waterlogged materials and maintain stable stacks and clear work areas.
• Manage cold, wet and windy exposure, visibility and fatigue during prolonged bad weather.
• Suspend, respond to and restart work as storm conditions change.

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out work in wet weather, rain or thunderstorms.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces — 3.2 Identifying the hazards; p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant used to lift or suspend persons or things; p. 17.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use