LIGHTNING AND SEVERE WEATHER TOOLBOX TALK
When weather changes, the original work plan may no longer be safe.
Safe management of lightning, high winds, heavy rain and sudden weather changes.
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Toolbox Topic
LIGHTNING AND SEVERE WEATHER TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent hazards during lightning, high winds, heavy rain and poor visibility affecting outdoor work, lifting and work at height.
WHY IT MATTERS
Lightning presents a potentially fatal hazard around open areas, elevated structures and metal equipment.
Wind directly affects suspended-load control and worker stability at height.
Heavy rain creates slippery surfaces, reduces visibility and can increase electrical risk.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
Wind speed increased during a crane operation but lifting continued.
A large surface-area load began rotating and became difficult to control with tag lines.
Wind-limit monitoring and a predetermined stop-work criterion would have safely stopped the operation.
REMEMBER
When weather begins controlling the job, it is time to stop the job.
KEY HAZARDS
Lightning strike during outdoor work.
Loss of suspended-load control in strong wind.
Workers losing balance at height.
Wet and slippery platforms or ladders.
Reduced visibility during heavy rain.
Increased electrical exposure around standing water.
Temporary structures or loose materials becoming airborne.
Sudden weather deterioration not recognised in time.
CONTROLS
Check weather forecasts and site conditions before work.
Confirm manufacturer wind limits for lifting equipment.
Apply site wind stop-work criteria for work at height.
Brief crews on lightning alarms and shelter locations.
Safely stop cranes, MEWPs and elevated work when storms approach.
Secure loose materials, sheeting and temporary equipment.
Reinspect platforms, scaffolds and access routes after rain.
Assess electrical equipment around standing water.
Provide additional lighting during reduced visibility.
Do not restart until conditions return to acceptable limits.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, production is never more important than severe weather. We will stop when wind, lightning or rain exceeds our limits and restart only after conditions are confirmed safe.
TEAM QUESTIONS
What is today's weather forecast?
What is our wind limit?
Where is the lightning shelter?
Which activities stop first?
Are loose materials secured?
Who authorises restart?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Forecast checked
Wind monitoring available
Limits understood
Shelter identified
Stop-work criteria clear
Materials secured
Access routes safe
Electrical risk checked
Restart criteria clear
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.