Hurricane season brings significant challenges to construction sites across the U.S. In recent years, hurricanes like Ian have left a devastating impact.
Ian alone caused $112 billion in damages, making it the third most expensive hurricane in U.S. history. With hurricanes’ increasing intensity and frequency, evaluating whether your construction site is fully prepared to face the challenges ahead is crucial. Ask yourself the following critical questions:
- Are your job sites prepared for the coming storm season?
- Have you assessed how severe weather could impact your project’s schedule and budget?
- What precautions have you taken to protect your workers and equipment?
- Is there a plan in place to minimize water damage and debris hazards?
- Are you ready to take immediate action if a hurricane warning is issued?
With hurricane season fast approaching, now is the time to address these essential questions. In this blog, we’ll explore how to develop a solid severe weather plan with essential hurricane safety precautions that prepare your construction site for the worst, safeguarding your team and project from potentially devastating losses.
Understanding Hurricanes: Essential Information for Construction Site Workers
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone characterized by a low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters and can cause significant damage upon landfall. They are categorized into five levels on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, ranging from 1 to 5. This scale helps predict the potential for property damage based on the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds:
- Tropical Depression: Winds less than 39 mph
- Tropical Storm: Winds of 39 to 73 mph
- Hurricane: Winds 74 mph and above
Why Should Construction Workers Be Prepared?
Hurricanes can bring about catastrophic effects, not just in coastal areas but also inland. For example, a Category 3 hurricane or higher can cause devastating damage to buildings, materials, and infrastructure—something no construction project can afford to ignore. The construction sites are particularly vulnerable to hurricane threats, which include:
| Hurricane Hazard | Description |
| Storm Surge | A rising of the sea due to atmospheric pressure changes and wind associated with a storm. |
| High Winds | It can turn unsecured materials into dangerous projectiles. |
| Heavy Rainfall and Inland Flooding: | It can compromise the structural integrity of buildings under construction. |
| Tornadoes | Occasionally spawned during hurricanes and can intensify damage. |
| Rip Currents | Pose risks for coastal areas. |
As we enter Hurricane Season 2024, constructors must stay informed about the upcoming storm forecasts. Below is a list of potential hurricanes to be aware of this season, ensuring your site is fully prepared to implement safety measures when necessary.”
The Impact of Hurricanes on Construction Sites
Hurricanes cause an average of $28 billion in damages annually across the U.S. Construction sites are particularly vulnerable with their exposed materials and incomplete structures. Hurricanes can have severe consequences for construction sites, which are as follows:
- Safety Risks: Construction sites might become hazardous due to scattered debris and unstable structures, which could threaten worker safety.
- Flooding and Foundation Damage: Construction sites, especially those in low-lying areas, are at risk for flooding. This can lead to foundational weakening and may require significant repairs or even a project restart.
- Equipment Damage: Strong hurricanes can damage or destroy large construction equipment, such as cranes, leading to further hazards and delays in construction schedules.
- Project Delays: Hurricanes often lead to significant project delays. Damage to the construction site can require extensive clean-up and repairs, and workers may need time to manage personal emergencies, pushing back project timelines.
- Communication Disruptions: Hurricanes can disrupt communication lines, complicate coordination efforts between contractors, suppliers, and the workforce, and further delay progress.
- Increased Costs: The aftermath of a hurricane typically sees a surge in supply and labor costs. Construction sites might face shortages of materials and labor, leading to increased expenses and the need for higher wages to retain workers.
- Decreased Labor Productivity: A hurricane can demoralize a workforce, particularly if they have suffered personal losses or see their previous efforts destroyed, leading to reduced productivity.
For additional safety insights, particularly for the colder months, check out our blog on “Winter Safety Tips for Construction Workers: Staying Safe in the Cold,” where we discuss specific strategies for protecting your team against winter hazards.
Top 6 Construction Safety Tips for the Hurricane Season
Hurricanes pose severe risks to construction sites, making proper safety precautions essential. Knowing how to stay safe during a storm can protect your workers, equipment, and project from severe damage. Let’s explore the top 7 construction safety tips to ensure your site is ready for hurricane season, helping you stay safe and prepared when severe weather hits.
Prepare a Hurricane Preparedness and Safety Plan
A hurricane safety program is essential for construction sites to mitigate risks, protect personnel, and ensure continuity of operations during hurricane season. This plan outlines procedures and preparations for effectively handling hurricane threats.
Following FEMA and OSHA guidelines helps keep your team safe, protect your equipment, and reduce project delays. According to OSHA guidelines, a comprehensive plan should address the following elements:
- Plan Activation: Initiate the program based on specific weather forecasts that indicate an imminent hurricane.
- Command Structure: Establish a transparent chain of command to manage decision-making and communication during a hurricane.
- Emergency Roles: Assign specific tasks to designated personnel for critical emergency functions.
- Evacuation Procedures: Mark evacuation routes and exits and ensure all personnel are familiar with these paths.
- Personnel Accounting: Implement a system to account for all personnel before, during, and after the evacuation.
- Safety Equipment: Provide and maintain necessary safety gear for all team members during a hurricane.
- Operational Timelines: Prepare checklists and timelines for securing the site as the storm approaches, detailing when to halt and resume operations.
- Site Security Measures: Secure all loose materials and stabilize equipment to prevent damage during the storm.
- Personnel Teams: Designate a strike team for decision-making during the storm and a recovery team for assessing and repairing damage afterward.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a comprehensive list of all team members’ contact information, including backup contacts.
- Risk Assessment: Regularly evaluate the site for potential hurricane-related risks and update safety protocols.
- Post-Disaster Response: Outline steps for rapid site cleanup and recovery to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
Implementing these guidelines helps ensure that construction sites are prepared to face the challenges of a hurricane, minimizing potential harm and disruptions.
Carefully Monitor the Weather and Local Announcements
Keep a close watch on the weather, especially if a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect. Assign someone from your team to track updates from reliable sources like AccuWeather. You can explore the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) flood maps, to determine whether your property is in a flood-prone or high-risk area.
Consider using a battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank weather radio to stay informed during power outages. It’s crucial to have quick access to emergency websites and NOAA reports so that everyone on the construction site understands the urgency of staying updated. Hurricanes can escalate quickly, particularly in the Gulf, so consistent monitoring is vital.
Lock Down Your Construction Site
Securing everything on your construction site is crucial when a hurricane is on the horizon. Here’s a quick rundown on how to protect your equipment and materials from the storm:
- First, list all the materials and equipment you have on site. Knowing what you’ve got and where it is helps you determine what needs the most protection.
- Secure anything that might take flight in strong winds, such as your lighter materials, with ropes, sandbags, and ground anchors.
- Wrap materials with plastic sheeting or tarps to keep the water out. This simple step can prevent a lot of damage.
- Group loose items together and bind them with ropes or duct tape to prevent them from scattering. If you’ve got heavy equipment or vehicles, move them to a secure location. Check cranes and wind ratings and secure them with extra supports to prevent tipping.
- Board up doors and windows and use sandbags around the building to fend off water. Double-check that your backup generators are fueled and ready.
- Postpone any new deliveries until the storm has passed to avoid getting new materials caught in the hurricane.
These steps can help minimize damage and protect your site and its materials during a hurricane. Stay sharp and stay safe.
Remove Materials and Equipment from the Job Site
When a hurricane warning is issued, it’s time to secure your construction site quickly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Start by removing any loose materials or expensive equipment that could be damaged. If they are not nailed down and valuable, they should be moved to a safer location.
- Find a garage or another covered area to keep heavy machinery and vehicles safe from the storm.
- Cover and protect the construction dumpster. Do the same with portable bathrooms and any other large items that must stay on site.
- Move all portable electronics, job site plans, and important documents to a secure offsite location. Turn off all power to the site to prevent electrical mishaps, and make sure your generators have enough fuel to run if needed post-storm.
Securing Chemicals and Managing Water on Construction Sites
Proper handling of hazardous chemicals is essential. If you can’t remove them, store them in tanks built to withstand storm conditions to prevent leaks. Include a cleanup plan with a qualified third-party team, just in case.
Additionally, prepare for post-storm water removal. Flooding can weaken the structure of buildings and pose risks. Set up pumps in low-lying areas like basements or excavations before the storm hits. After the storm, use these pumps to move water into the street for drainage, or if the local system is overwhelmed, use a tanker truck to haul the water away safely. This proactive approach minimizes damage and keeps the site safe.
Protect Your Site and Plan Your Exit
Once you’ve secured your materials and equipment, focus on protecting the building, especially if renovating or constructing from scratch. Board up doors and windows and cover large openings to keep water out. Use sandbags around the building’s perimeter to strengthen its defenses against floodwaters.
Having a solid evacuation plan is crucial. Understand the difference between a Hurricane Watch (storm possible) and a Hurricane Warning (storm expected within 24 hours). Stay updated with the latest weather reports via radio, TV, or online, and evacuate according to local advisories. Ensure you and your team know the local emergency procedures and shelter locations well before hurricane season, ensuring everyone has a safe place to go if needed.
After Hurricane Safety Tips
After a hurricane has passed, it’s crucial to manage the aftermath safely and efficiently. Here’s how to proceed:
- Carefully Assess Damage: As soon as it’s safe to return, evaluate the damage thoroughly. Check for structural damage or potential hazards like loose tiles and broken windows. Be mindful of excavation holes filled with water, as these may be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.
- Proceed with Caution: When entering the construction site, be extremely cautious. Watch out for sharp debris, energized downed power lines, and other hidden dangers. Make sure the area is safe for your crew before starting any work.
- Secure the Right Cleanup Equipment: Hurrying up after a hurricane requires heavy-duty equipment. Consider renting machinery like earthmovers to clear debris quickly and safely. This will help you get your site back to operational status sooner.
- Wait for Official Go-Ahead: Don’t rush back to the site. Wait until local authorities confirm it’s safe to do so. Even after getting the green light, use caution during your initial return.
- Plan for Cleanup Crews: Incorporate a cleanup crew into your hurricane safety plan. A dedicated team ready to handle post-storm cleanup can streamline recovery and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
Following these after-hurricane safety tips can help ensure your construction site returns to normal operations safely and as quickly as possible.
Why Should You Consider Expert Consulting for Natural Disaster Readiness?
At the end of your planning and preparation for any kind of natural disaster, it’s worth considering the added value that expert consulting can bring to your construction site.
Professional consultants specialize in disaster preparedness and can offer advice that fits your site’s specific needs and vulnerabilities. They can help refine your hurricane preparedness plan, train your staff on the latest safety protocols, and provide insights into the most effective ways to secure your site against the unique challenges posed by hurricanes. Engaging with expert consultants ensures that you are not only prepared but also have access to specialized knowledge and resources that can significantly mitigate the risks associated with hurricanes.
SafeT Professionals provides expert safety staffing and consulting services for the construction industry. Their seasoned safety experts are trained in the latest EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) standards. It brings a deep understanding of OSHA regulations to ensure your site complies with legal requirements and offers a safe, productive environment for all workers.
Strengthen Your Safety Strategy with Safe T Professionals’ Consulting Services
At Safe T Professionals, we are dedicated to elevating safety standards through our expert consulting services. By proactively addressing and preventing safety issues and equipping your workforce with the necessary knowledge and tools, we help create a safer work environment.
Partner with Safe T Professionals to enhance your company’s safety protocols and ensure compliance with industry standards. Whether you are looking to fill safety-specific roles or need expert consultation to mitigate workplace hazards, we are here to help.
Connect with us today!