Working in windy weather

Responding is Jim Olson, product and safety engineer, Terex Utilities, Watertown, SD.

Utility crews often deal with windy work conditions, both while traveling and on the jobsite.

When en route to a jobsite during windy conditions, drivers of aerial devices or digger derricks should use extra caution. Large, tall vehicles are susceptible to being blown around by high winds. Open highways, bridge crossings and mountainous terrain are a few areas where excessive wind gusts frequently occur, requiring extra caution.

Before heading out, plan your route to confirm you’re not traveling through an area with wind-related travel restrictions for large vehicles. Also check for travel advisories. Make sure the boom, bucket, jibs, augers and any other attachments are properly stowed and secured, and the cargo – including that in chassis storage areas – is tied down and doors are firmly shut and locked.

As wind pushes against tall, moving vehicles, staying in your lane can become difficult. Braking and handling can also be negatively affected. Defensive driving is a must. Keep both hands on the wheel and reduce your speed, putting extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.

Once on the jobsite, if possible, use the terrain or any nearby structures to reduce the effect of high winds when setting up equipment. Be aware, however, that when the boom or bucket extends above a roofline, for example, wind speeds will be greater when not blocked by an obstruction.

Although OSHA restricts use of this equipment when winds exceed 30 mph, safety isn’t always guaranteed at lower wind speeds. Safe operation can change for each situation, location and work height. Only the people onsite can determine if conditions are safe. Risks that must be managed include maintaining required minimum distances between swaying objects, controlling loads being lifted and protecting ground personnel.

Both sustained winds and gusting winds can cause oscillation or sway, but erratic changes in wind speed or direction requires the use of extra caution. Regardless of the actual windspeed, these conditions can make it difficult to maintain minimum distances between swaying booms and powerlines. The boom sway and the line or pole sway will cause them to move away and then together, which can also create a crushing hazard. If the task can’t be completed safely, operations should cease.

Ground personnel must also be considered and not be allowed in the fall zone. If the boom tip moves away from the work area, tools or objects could fall on the people below and down wind. Likewise, a load that can’t be controlled while being lifted could create a crushing hazard for workers below. Falling or flying debris is another hazard that should be assessed.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.