Victorian workers are being urged to hunker down as cyclone-level winds lash the state.
Gusts up to 130kph are expected to continue across Victoria today, with winds likened to that of a Category 2 cyclone.
The Bureau of Meteorology said a strong cold front is to blame for the destructive weather, with another expected to arrive on Wednesday.
Victorian emergency management commissioner Rick Nugent said the extreme weather is expected to cause more damage before the storm is over.
“When in doubt, don’t go out,” Nugent said.
WorkSafe Victoria issued a warning last week when the winds first took hold, urging worksites to secure equipment and re-consider outdoor work.
At the time an initial warning was issued last week, WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin said employers had an obligation to implement control measures and site rules to reduce or eliminate the risks.
“Severe weather events, including potentially destructive winds, need to be treated like any other hazard in a workplace,” Jenkin said.
“Good housekeeping practices on worksites are essential to ensure materials, tools and machinery are stored properly or tied down so they cannot be picked up and blown around.”
WorkSafe issued the following tips for working safely in windy conditions:
- Keep the worksite clean, securing objects that could become airborne.
- Examine and strengthen structures to ensure they will remain standing during strong winds.
- Secure scaffolding and other temporary structures so they can’t be blown over.
- Where possible, re-schedule work until conditions improve (e.g. cease crane operations until wind speeds turn to acceptable levels).
- Where work proceeds, wear eye protection to stop dust and debris from blowing into the eyes.
- Wear fall protection and secure ladders at the top and bottom.
- Be careful when handling large flat items, such as signs, as they can act as a sail.
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