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Rising temperatures and extreme weather, fueled by climate change, are creating additional safety challenges in already hazardous industries. Outdoor workers in sectors like construction, mining and agriculture face heightened risks, from heat exhaustion to insect-borne illnesses. But without proper cooling systems in place, indoor workers aren’t safe either. Over 30% of Australians are at high risk from extreme heat, with rising temperatures also posing harm to infrastructure, the power grid and the healthcare system.
The changing weather has its effects on construction, one of Australia’s most dangerous industries, showing the stark reality of its progression. Construction is an industry that relies on favourable weather conditions. The planning and execution of construction projects require taking climate and geography into account, as inclement weather events can lead to major delays and disruptions.
As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you have a duty to minimise hazards for your workers, including the dangers caused by shifting weather patterns. Here’s the SSTC guide to how the weather affects construction and how it’s affecting worksite safety, as well as what you can do to protect your own staff and site.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant increase in extreme weather events, including several notable occurrences in Australia, such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, and droughts.
Construction is such a weather-dependent industry that even light rain can slow down jobs like roofing and concreting. Inclement weather is any sort of severe weather that makes construction unsafe, including storms, heavy rain, cyclones, floods and hail. As climate change increases the overall temperatures on worksites and the frequency of inclement events, here’s how the weather affects construction, including in NSW:
Natural disasters can render construction worksites unsafe and inaccessible. According to Fair Trading NSW, many building projects, including homes, were delayed in 2022 due to the combined effects of the Eastern Australian floods, COVID-19, and global trade issues. A 2021 study already revealed that adverse weather events affect 45% of construction projects worldwide, costing billions of dollars in additional expenses and lost revenue.
In Australia, the construction industry is already struggling with a labour shortage that changing weather conditions are exacerbating. After a natural disaster, the increased demand for rebuilding infrastructure strains an already stretched workforce, while the disruption caused by changing weather conditions keeps skilled tradespeople working on the same projects for longer.
While construction firms have frequently relied on historical weather data to plan projects, inclement weather events have made those patterns less reliable. Now it’s important to plan for all weather conditions and to have strong emergency plans in place.
Inclement weather events can seriously damage or even destroy your materials or equipment, causing extra costs and delays.
Inclement weather causes disruptions both near and far. Natural disasters cause supply chain disruptions that lead to shortages of materials, which in turn increase in price. Along with a general trend towards sustainability, this set of events is driving the use of recycled materials.
The changing weather’s effects on construction and other industries impact employee safety in several ways. The main safety hazards your team are likely to deal with include:
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two of the biggest risks for workers consistently exposed to high temperatures, as well as fatigue. PCBUs need to install temperature control measures like ventilation and fans, conduct heat stress risk assessments, ensure that workers remain hydrated, and train employees to recognise the signs of heat-related health issues, seeking first aid when necessary.
Increased bushfires and dust storms, fueled by climate change, are having a detrimental impact on air quality. Exposure to particles and pollutants can lead to both acute and chronic respiratory illness. Meanwhile, the rising temperature is altering the length of spring and summer, increasing the incidence of hay fever and asthma among many outdoor workers. There are several proactive measures you can put in place to ensure a safer quality of air on your worksite: supply sufficient filtration and ventilation, provide workers with respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) and training and install air quality monitors. Have a plan in place for relocating workers when air quality levels drop below safe thresholds.
Higher temperatures lead to an increase in insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, which means workers run a higher risk of contracting illnesses like Ross River Fever and Lyme Disease. Simple measures, such as encouraging workers to wear long sleeves and pants, can help keep dangerous insects at bay. You can also adapt your first aid strategy to include vector-borne diseases. Removing stagnant water from your worksite can help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the space.
Natural disasters and extreme weather events impact the mental health of those involved, especially first responders and others on the front line. Those who have survived such a traumatic event can experience PTSD, anxiety and depression. You can address mental health in your workplace by providing staff with access to counselling services and assistance programs, training managers to recognise signs of distress and fostering a workplace culture that openly discusses mental health without stigma.
Working outside means you inevitably have to deal with the effects of the weather on your construction project, whether it’s technically an inclement weather event or not. From wind to lightning, hail to fog, less-than-optimum weather conditions will inevitably complicate your time on the worksite at some point. As a PCBU, you have a responsibility for keeping your workers safe during bad weather. Here are some tips to help you fulfil that obligation:
Check weather forecasts and emergency warnings and adjust your working schedules accordingly. Identify the potential hazards related to specific weather conditions, implement appropriate controls and put emergency procedures in place.
Ensure that workers have access to personal protective equipment, including high-visibility gear, insulated clothing and eye protection.
Your average construction site has a lot of risks lurking in plain sight, ready to turn dangerous when nasty weather rolls around. To create a safer environment for workers, secure all loose items, ensure that drainage systems are functional to prevent flooding, and ensure that electrical equipment is properly grounded.
When a weather event, such as a cyclone, hurricane, or flood, is predicted in the area of a job site, suspend work activities and evacuate all staff within 24 hours.
Worksite safety is of paramount importance in construction and every other industry. A team with over 50 years combined experience, SSTC is a team of safety experts trusted by some of Australia’s largest construction companies. We can provide you with everything you need to make your worksite safer, including safety plans, permits from local authorities, workplace health and safety management plans and risk assessments.
Traffic is an important consideration for any worksite, and an SSTC traffic guidance scheme is designed to meet your project’s unique needs, including its construction schedules, traffic volume and road conditions. Our state-of-the-art equipment and technology ensure your traffic plans are as accurate and effective as possible.
To find out more, call 1300 007 782 or get your free quote online from SSTC.