12 measures to protect workers at high places from wind hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD) confirmed that there are 12 preventive measures to protect workers from wind hazards in open workplaces, considering that strong winds are a common phenomenon in the country, as the maximum gust speed may exceed 100 km/hour, while it has been Constant wind speeds of 50 km/hour were recorded, and the center warned of the danger of strong winds, especially for workers in high places, noting that they are the most vulnerable to strong winds and most affected by them.

The center explained in a press release that cranes and towers are particularly vulnerable to risks and can topple due to strong winds if they are not properly secured, noting that winds can topple people working in high places to the edges, increasing their chances of falling from the ground. Above it if they do not have sufficient protection at the edges.

The center pointed out that strong winds have the ability to move materials such as roof tiles and rubble quickly, which leads to collisions with people, with the possibility of stirring up sand and dust, which causes damage or irritation to the eyes, in addition to exacerbating asthma cases.

The center warned that strong winds could make it difficult to hear properly, to the point that workers may be oblivious to vehicles approaching them if they cannot hear their sound.

The Center stressed the necessity of reviewing the work carried out in high and outdoor places when the wind speed reaches or exceeds its maximum speed of 38 km/hour to ensure the possibility of continuing safely, pointing out the need for this review to be based on a risk assessment that takes into account the current and expected wind speed and weather conditions. The level and height of the work in progress and any conditions or hazards that could affect the safety and health of those carrying out the work or affected by the work.

The Center noted the need to ensure that tools are packed safely, as well as securing roof panels, cones, banners, and other loose materials, ensuring that any cranes or lifting equipment are secured, securing objects that can be easily toppled by strong winds, and ensuring that temporary fences or site walls are securely secured. Ensure that any chemical or dangerous materials are secured and covered, taking great care when picking up wide planks of wood or other similar flat materials, as they may act as a boat’s sail, and ensuring that workers are familiar with the use of Ropes for load control when lifting loads with wide surfaces.

He pointed out that workers must wear fall protection equipment, not stand near stacked materials or construction, and wear eye protection equipment to protect them from dust, rubble, and other foreign particles, in addition to the necessity of ensuring that head helmets are tightly secured.

He pointed out the necessity of taking a set of other preventive measures, which are the need to issue warnings to workers, inspect buildings and projects to ensure that any loose materials are removed and things are secured, and ensure that all windows are closed and doors are not opened except as necessary, as strong winds can easily remove doors from their hinges. Remove light-weight or loose objects from open spaces, stop any lifting work if the wind speed reaches or exceeds its maximum speed of 38 km/h, and ensure that cranes and lifting equipment are secured.

Driving during strong winds

With regard to driving and securing vehicles during strong winds, the Occupational Safety and Health Center “OSHAD” confirmed that prevention measures can be summarized in: the necessity of ensuring that workers are aware of the necessity of not driving vehicles unless it is possible to drive them safely, and to postpone transportation and driving vehicles if this is not necessary. Until the strong winds subside, do not drive vehicles with high sides, reduce speed, ensure the good condition of tires and windshield wipers, do not drive close to other cars, increase the safety distance between vehicles, and exit the vehicle from the road to A safe place if your vision becomes very poor, until it improves.

It is necessary to review works in high places when the wind speed reaches 38 km/hour.