The storm showed up. Was your jobsite ready?

From Brandon Glenn's Safirst newsletter on LinkedIn.

In Metro Phoenix, severe weather can become an afterthought on construction projects. We cover monsoon preparedness at the start of the season, give crews a reminder, and move on with the work.

This morning was a strong reminder of why that conversation needs to continue.

Shortly after work began, we had lightning, thunder, and heavy rain. Conditions changed fast and put storm preparedness to the test.

A storm plan has to protect our people, our materials, and the project, and everyone needs to know their role before the weather turns.

Here are the areas I'd review with every superintendent and subcontractor after today's storm.

1. Lightning needs a clear response

Assign someone to monitor the weather through the shift. Give them the authority to start the site's storm response. Make sure every trade recognizes the alert and knows where to go.

If you hear thunder, move to safe shelter immediately. Don't wait for the rain to reach your work area.

OSHA and NOAA recommend staying sheltered at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. Each new rumble restarts the clock. OSHA/NOAA lightning safety fact sheet

2. Secure materials before the storm arrives

Walk the project with the approaching weather in mind. Loose insulation, sheet materials, packaging, roofing supplies, and unsecured covers need attention before the wind picks up.

Make each subcontractor responsible for securing its own materials and protecting moisture-sensitive products. Include waste containers, storage areas, and drainage paths in that walk.

The National Weather Service warns that loose objects become flying debris in high winds. NWS: before a high wind event

Once conditions become hazardous, get people to shelter. Materials can be replaced. Don't send anyone back outside to save them.

3. Know where every employee will shelter

An outdoor muster point used for a fire evacuation may be unsafe during lightning.

Identify substantial, fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing. If none is available, enclosed hard-topped metal vehicles with the windows closed can provide lightning shelter.

Open structures, shade canopies, and partially built structures should not be assumed safe. Check every shelter option for wind and flooding hazards too. OSHA/NOAA shelter guidance

Plan for the actual number of workers onsite. Each foreman accounts for their crew from shelter and reports anyone missing to the designated coordinator.

4. Inspect before restarting

The rain stopping is only one part of the decision to resume work.

Before releasing an area, check access routes, standing water, temporary electrical equipment, stored materials, and signs of erosion or instability. Have the right competent or qualified person assess the hazards in their area of responsibility.

OSHA's excavation standard specifically calls for competent-person inspections after rainstorms. 29 CFR 1926.651(k)

Before your next shift

Take ten minutes with the foremen:

1. Did everyone receive the alert?
2. Was shelter accessible?
3. Were all workers accounted for?
4. What needs to change?

Then ask your crew: "If thunder starts right now, where are you going, and who will know you made it there?"

The next storm gives us another chance to apply what we learned this morning. The time to make those improvements is now.

— Brandon Glenn