High Wind Dangers

Safety Talk
When your job includes working outside, you could be
at the mercy of the weather. Rain, snow, ice, and heat
all can play a huge role in the ability of working
outside, but a less talked about hazard is high winds. It is important to realize that high
winds can pose a threat, are considered a safety hazard, and what to do if you find yourself
working in these conditions.

High winds are considered a wind of such velocity, that it could cause an employee to lose
control of what they’re carrying or expose them to other hazards not identified, like
decorations or banners on walls/fences, patio umbrellas, or dirt/trash/debris from the
ground.
OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) normally considers winds that
are exceeding 40 miles per hour as high winds; however, depending on the location, high
winds can be considered at 20 miles per hour w/gusts up to 30mph

Hazards Created by the Wind

Due to building architecture, wind conditions can vary. Hazards that could be created by
high winds include but not limited to:
• Strains and sprains, due to wind forcefully pulling doors open
• Struck-by incidents due to objects being blown around
• Slips, trips, and falls due to employee’s reaction to a falling object from high winds
• Eye injuries due to small particles of flying debris and dust
If you identify hazards at your job, alert your coworkers as well as your supervisor. If you’re
unsure a hazard exists, it’s always better to speak up.

How to be Prepared
To keep yourself and other workers safe, there are several things you can do to prepare.
• Check weather reports and monitor conditions continuously. Take necessary
precautions on days when high winds are in the forecast.
• Wind can pick up quickly and sudden gusts can take you by surprise; ensure loose
items are secure and cannot be blown over.

Always use extreme caution and if you feel like winds are too high to continue, bring it to
your supervisor's attention. You should never put yourself, your coworkers, or
guests/patrons at risk.