High winds pose risks to construction site safety. A recent safety alert highlighted injuries that occurred when strong winds caused an access gate to swing open and hit a contractor. To prevent such incidents, sites must secure any loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds and review fencing and gate security arrangements to ensure they can withstand heavy winds as required. All workers should be made aware of the risks posed by extreme weather and the need to prepare work sites accordingly.

1. SA 18-310 Site fencing/ security due to high winds
Infrastructure & Services
Issued and authorised by the Director Safety and Engineering Systems Safety Alert Template.docx
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Safety Alert
SA 18-310 Site fencing/ security due to high winds
Audience
• All Transport
Projects
employees
• Transport
Projects
Contractors
• Project
Managers
Background
The risk of personal injury from high winds has been highlighted
by a recent weather reports in which strong winds can impact
the security and integrity of our worksites. Lessons learned
include preparing for weather changes, assessing immediate
risk when circumstances change and securing our worksites.
Contact:
Graham Jackson, Director Safety and Engineering Systems
9422 5450
Kylie Mills, Associate Director Safety Services 9200 0243
Background
High winds and other extreme weather events can create the potential for serious injury to workers
and damage to infrastructure.
This risk has been highlighted to remind ourselves to check our projects worksite protection
arrangements are compliant with supplier requirements which will assist with mitigating such events.
Further background: (SA 14-234 Access Gates and High Winds) this risk has been highlighted when
strong winds caused a gate to swing and hit a contractor causing injury to his hand and knee.
Injuries received included sutures and bruising.
This Safety Alert focuses on the risk of personal injury arising from the uncontrolled movement of
access gates during high wind conditions.
Lesson learned
• Access gates in high winds can become fast moving high energy objects that can cause
significant impact and/or crush injuries, especially to body extremities.
• Lock or secure gates to prevent uncontrolled movements.
• Review site for any unsecured items which may present a risk to safety during high wind
events.
Actions Required
• Regularly review site for any unsecured items which may present a risk to safety
during high wind events
• Ensure this Safety Alert is communicated to relevant workers on Transport Projects
sites via toolbox talks
• Place this Safety Alert on site notice boards
Issued and authorised by the Director Safety and Engineering Systems
Signature ____________________________________________
Name: Graham Jackson, Director Safety and Engineering Systems. Dated: 23 Nov 2018