Severe weather checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Preparation

Adverse weather covered in the site risk assessment and response plan. WSH (Risk Management) Regs
myENV lightning and heavy rain alerts set up for the site location.
One named person per shift watches the alerts.
Fast way to warn all workers in place: radio, siren or loudhailer.
Lightning-safe shelters named and known to every worker.
Adverse weather kit ready: first aid, AED, torches, radios.
Plan shared with contractors and drilled.

02Lightning

Outdoor work stops as soon as thunder is heard or lightning is seen. WSH Council adverse weather guidelines
All workers moved into a proper building or lightning-protected shelter.
Nobody sheltering in open sheds, tents or under trees.
Workers off cranes, scaffolds, roofs and ladders.
Work resumes only 30 minutes after the last thunder.

03Strong winds

Wind speed monitored on site during storms.
All outdoor work stopped above 60 km/h. WSH Council adverse weather guidelines
MEWPs stopped above 45 km/h or the maker's limit, and parked in a safe spot. WSH Council adverse weather guidelines
Non-guided gondolas stopped above 50 km/h or the maker's limit, and grounded. WSH Council adverse weather guidelines
Tower cranes operated within the maker's in-service wind limit.
Loose materials, sheeting and banners removed or tied down.

04Heavy rain and flooding

Workers out of excavations, basements and tunnels unless protected from flooding. WSH Council adverse weather guidelines
Excavations shored and slopes protected.
Temporary structures fitted with extra tie-backs.
Electrical equipment and cables kept out of standing water.

05After the storm

Scaffolds and temporary structures inspected before use.
Cranes, MEWPs and other equipment checked. Damaged items tagged out.
Waterlogged areas drained.
Ground and excavations checked for movement.
Collapse zones kept closed until cleared.

Legal requirement

The WSH Council's adverse weather guidelines are not mandatory, but MOM says employers and workers still have duties under the WSH Act and it will take action against those found culpable. Occupiers must keep the workplace and its equipment free of risk, employers and principals must have emergency procedures, and workers must follow the site's safety rules.

Sources and further reading

WSH Guidelines on Preparing for Adverse Weather, WSH Council.
WSH Guidelines on Preparing for Adverse Weather (press release), Ministry of Manpower.
Lightning Safety When Working Outdoors, US OSHA and NOAA.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Severe weather checklist

01Preparation

02Lightning

03Strong winds

04Heavy rain and flooding

05After the storm

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Lightning, monsoon and severe weather: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: lightning and storms

How to report a workplace accident in Bangladesh