How to prepare for winter construction site hazards

Every season has its challenges for tradies, but if there’s one thing that stops everything, it’s rain. With winter rolling in, it’s time to prep against construction site hazards and make sure you’re in the best possible position to keep the worksite moving, productive and safe, says Executive Director of Building Policy for the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Shane Keating. “Severe weather can stop work and delay restarts for a long time, but there are things you can do to make the job easier,” Shane says.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

At a glance: How to prepare against construction site hazards during winter

• Get ready ahead of time: Rain is inevitable, so take a look at your site, ask what could happen and plan for it.
• Clear the decks: If it might have to go in a hurry, get it ready. That includes tools, fixtures – even the portaloo!
• Call an electrician: Sparkies know exactly what to do when water is likely to meet electricity. Speak to them for advice about your onsite power in the rain.
• Lock things up: When the rain hits, you and the team might get an early knock-off, but that’s when thieves start their day.
• Returning to the site: Check for obvious damage, but also ground subsidence, scaffolding safety and even dry the frames to avoid mould.

Tip: From access to building equipment and temporary fencing, the Hire Shop has a wide range of quality equipment to support you on the job.

Do a site visit before rain comes

When your weather apps or the site radio says rain is on the way, get ready. And remember, it’s not just things getting wet, it’s the water changing the site itself. “Do a site visit before the weather hits and look for potential problems,” Shane says. “Brace any structures under construction and make sure any works are supported on stable ground and any trenches and holes are protected.”

Have a contingency plan

In some parts of Australia, the rain comes with high winds that can cause serious damage and safety hazards. Bracing structures is a start, but it doesn’t hurt to go further if serious storms are coming. Shane recommends:

• Removing portaloos and other loose materials that could become debris in high wind.
• Removing chemicals from the site.
• Emptying or restraining bins.
• Ensuring recently installed windows won’t be impacted.
• Taking away anything that will make things worse in the wet; worksites are dangerous enough under normal conditions.

Make sure everyone in your team is on board

In every build and on every site there is a work flow with someone in the position of making sure the safety checks are made and the processes are followed. Talk to them to ensure everything has been done and nothing has been forgotten in the event of hazardous winter weather.

“You should be conferring with the builder that these issues have been taken care of,” Shane says. Aside from peace of mind that the site is ready for what’s coming, it could prompt a reminder for the team to double check that site safety protocols are in place. “The relevant person should confirm the steps have been taken.”

How to secure a construction site during shutdown

If the weather is bad enough for tradies to go home from a worksite, thieves know it. It pays to keep the construction site secure while you're offsite and there are lots of ways to do that:

• Surround the site with fencing. “Sturdy temporary fencing should be set up around the perimeter of the worksite in particular to prevent unauthorised access,” Shane says. Look into temporary fencing solutions.
• Store materials and equipment out of street view. Ideally lock them away, or remove them offsite.
• Reschedule deliveries. If there’s going to be a prolonged site shutdown, get on the phone and make sure no new materials, tools or valuables will be delivered during that period.
• Consider onsite security cameras. These can bring peace of mind while you’re offsite and provide police with footage, should they need it. Rechargeable or solar units with floodlights are also a great deterrent tool to have onsite.

Think outside the site

Something that often gets overlooked is the impact that rain and weather on a worksite can have on the surrounding properties and you want to avoid getting a call after bad weather to fix things for the site neighbours. Run-off from excavation and retaining walls can divert water and site spoil, loose materials can fly into a neighbour’s yard and water is notorious for finding a way to be annoying.

“Make sure your erosion and sediment controls are in place and in good condition,” Shane says. “Ensure stormwater is diverted to an appropriate outflow so it won’t damage the works or adjoining properties.”

Check the site is safer before you get back to work

Once the rains or winds have stopped, be careful when you head back to work. Water damage will almost certainly have affected the surfaces you’ll be working on and falls, slips and trips are the second highest cause of workplace injury claims. Shane recommends these tips:

• Dress access paths to minimise mud and slips.
• Check that bracing and other onsite objects have not been dislodged and that scaffolds are in good condition and soleplates and transoms have not been disrupted by heavy rain or wind.
• Make a special check of plumbing, both sanitary and supply, and at the point of connection to site.

Tip: HIA provides resources on planning for extreme weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make sure my construction site stays dry?

Watch the weather apps for a start, then pack things up and bring out the tarps and secure it well before the rain arrives.

How do I add water drainage onsite for heavy rainfall?

If you’ve got a roof on, connect temporary downpipes to steer water away and make sure trenches are filled in or run to somewhere safe.

Do I need to disconnect all power?

Water and electricity don’t mix so make sure your onsite power is checked and suitable for outdoors, and if you’re even remotely unsure, call a sparkie.

How do I keep a construction site secure when work is rained off?

All tradies know that work stops when it rains – but so do thieves. Make sure fencing is up, locks are in place and security cameras are switched on.

Want more useful tips to secure your site when you’re not there?

Check out our article on safety tips for construction site shutdown.