WorkSafe urges employers to implement safety measures at worksites ahead of strong winds

WorkSafe Urges Employers to Implement Safety Measures at Worksites Ahead of Strong Winds

Employers across Victoria are being urged to secure worksites and reassess outdoor work activities, with the state bracing for strong winds over the next two days. Proper management of site hazards during severe weather conditions can prevent injuries and costly disruptions to operations.

According to WorkSafe, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning covering Central, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland, and parts of South West, North Central, North East, and Wimmera forecast districts.

Employers Must Take Measures to Protect Their Sites

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin says employers must fulfil their duty by putting control measures and site regulations in place to minimise or eliminate potential risks. Effective management of worksite hazards forms a core part of meeting occupational health obligations under Victorian law.

"Severe weather events, including potentially destructive winds, need to be treated like any other hazard in a workplace," Mr Jenkin said.

"Good housekeeping practices on worksites are essential to ensure materials, tools and machinery are stored properly or tied down so they cannot be picked up and blown around."

Key Steps for Secure Worksites

Businesses operating in affected regions should consider the following measures before winds intensify:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of scaffolding, sheeting, and temporary structures
• Secure loose materials, tools, and plant equipment that could become airborne
• Review lifting operations involving cranes or elevated plant, since gusty conditions increase tipping risks
• Establish an emergency response plan and ensure workers know evacuation procedures
• Delay non-essential outdoor working where wind speeds pose unacceptable risk
• Communicate updated site rules clearly to all personnel and contractors

Sound management of plant and machinery is particularly critical during high winds, as unsecured plant can shift unexpectedly and strike workers or damage nearby structures. Sites relying on mobile plant should reassess lifting schedules and parking arrangements until conditions stabilise.

Why Proactive Planning Matters

Treating severe weather as a genuine workplace hazard, rather than an inconvenience, supports better long-term management of site safety. Employers who build emergency preparedness into daily operations are better placed to protect workers and plant when conditions shift quickly.

Businesses managing remote operations may find further guidance in our related safety news article on how WorkSafe urges workplaces to implement proper safety measures when conducting work in remote areas, which outlines additional considerations for isolated construction sites.

For broader context on seasonal risk management, see our coverage of how WorkSafe urges Victorian employers to put safety first this festive season, and our report on how WorkSafe urges employers to take necessary measures to shield workers from dangers posed by asbestos exposure.

Supporting Documentation and Tools

Employers looking to formalise their approach to site safety management can explore our Safety Software solutions, along with our Electrical Safety Policy and Electrical Safety Checklist templates, both useful when assessing exposed electrical plant during storm conditions.

Our Workplace Safety Rules template can also help formalise site-specific procedures for managing severe weather emergencies. If you need assistance implementing these tools, our support team is available to help.

Learn more by clicking here.