WorkSafe urges worksites to prepare for damaging winds
27 Aug 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe VIC
WorkSafe Victoria is urging employers to prepare worksites for severe winds, with gusts of up to 100km/h forecast across affected areas and potentially destructive gusts of up to 130km/h around Alpine peaks.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning covering the Central, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland districts, as well as parts of the South West, North Central, North East and Wimmera. Locations potentially affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Morwell, Traralgon and Moe.
Damaging north-westerly winds are forecast to develop from early tomorrow. Destructive gusts around Alpine peaks are possible when a cold front arrives later tomorrow or Wednesday.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said employers were obliged to put control measures and site rules in place to reduce or eliminate risks. "Severe weather events, including potentially destructive winds, need to be treated like any other hazard in a workplace," Mr Jenkin said.
Mr Jenkin said good housekeeping was essential, with materials, tools and machinery needing to be stored properly or tied down to prevent them being blown around. He identified construction workers as particularly at risk, with high winds capable of bringing down partially built structures and turning temporary fencing, roof sheets, tools and debris into airborne hazards for workers and the public.
"Employers should plan ahead, including by consulting with their workers and health and safety representatives, and prepare a tailored strategy for their individual circumstances."
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas to examine as you prepare for severe weather. Take the free WHS self-check