Scaffolders play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of construction sites, especially in high winds and rains. Scaffold sites that are not properly secured can pose a significant risk to workers and the general public. It is essential for scaffolders to take extra precautions and secure work sites during heavy rain and high winds.

When taking on a job, have a plan in place for any extreme weather events, and keep an eye on the forecasts. Make sure your team know what to do, and what their roles are, if a storm develops unexpectedly. You may need to secure or take down a site very quickly. Starting the job with a plan for bad weather means you've already considered all the risk factors and are more prepared if the weather turns.

Key risks:

• Scaffolds that are not securely fastened can topple over, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
• If the scaffold is covered with shrink wrap, high winds can create a vacuum effect and potentially collapse the scaffold.
• Loose objects, such as tools, materials, or debris, could be blown away and cause harm.
• Failure to secure scaffolding sites during extreme weather conditions can result in serious consequences, including loss of property, legal liabilities, and personal injuries.

What you can do to prevent an incident:

• Secure all scaffolding sites and shrink-wrapped scaffolds, by using additional anchors, bracing, and tie-downs.
• Consider the additional load that wind and rain will put on shrink-wrapped scaffold. If the wind and/or will add weight to the shrink-wrap that exceeds manufacturers guidelines, take the shrink-wrap off to prevent it blowing away or collapsing.
• Inspect the scaffolds regularly, before the weather event and after to ensure they are safe to use. Scaffolds could be weakened or damaged in extreme weather, so don’t let staff back on until they have been checked for safety. Do a final inspection before dismantling to make sure nothing has changed and it’s safe to dismantle.
• Remove loose objects from the site, such as tools, materials (planks, sheeting etc.), or debris.
• Make sure you clean up the site before leaving each day - don't leave drink bottles and rubbish lying around that might fly off.
• Restrict access to the work site during extreme weather conditions to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the area and putting themselves at risk.

Factors to take into consideration:

• Along with the loads that might be applied from wind and rain directly, it's important to consider where the site is located:
• Could the site be flooded and destabilise the scaffold?
• Is the ground made of peat or soft soil, or located on sand where it might shift or recede?
• Is the location on a hill or gradient prone to slips, or will the angle make the scaffold weaker against wind and rain.
• If the site is near residential housing or public accessway, consider any additional hazards from the site in high winds and rains that might hurt someone walking past the site, or not actively in the construction zone.
• If you secure the scaffold to the building site, is the building strong enough to hold that increased load? Consider the weight of the scaffold with heavy winds and rains on it, especially if it is shrink-wrapped.

It is essential to always follow safety guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of workers and the public. Always construct the scaffold following manufacturer's instructions and designs, and don't mix gear.