Following Storm Éowyn, we wanted to highlight how we prepare for extreme weather, something we are all too familiar with in the UK, where being ready for any eventuality is essential.
At LST Projects, we are currently working on several major projects, including work at height, where preparing for extreme weather is crucial.
We caught up with Justin Horton, one of our Site Managers, to discuss how the teams at Southampton General and Princess Anne Hospital prepare for and respond to extreme weather conditions.
Justin explained: "I always have the Met Office weather report open on my laptop, monitoring the five-day forecast to stay ahead of any potential weather impacts. We keep an eye out for yellow and orange warnings and prepare accordingly."
How We Prepare for Extreme Weather
Monitoring Wind Speeds: For winds exceeding 32mph, the team carries out additional reviews to ensure the hoist is securely in place and monitors the wind meter installed on the scaffold, which can be checked remotely.
Securing Equipment: When winds reach 40mph and above, all equipment is either screwed, bolted, or ratchet-strapped into place. Additional full site walk-throughs are carried out to ensure equipment is weighted down and secured to a fixed structure in line with the Temporary Works Risk Assessment. Extra care is taken on scaffolds to ensure any loose materials are removed.
Communication & Early Warnings: The hospital trust provides email notifications a few days in advance of any predicted extreme weather, ensuring all contractors on-site take necessary precautions to secure materials at risk. LST also disseminates storm warnings to all its sites to ensure that Temporary Works Risk Assessments are followed, and site reviews are carried out.
Post-Storm Safety Checks: Following a wind event, the site manager organises a scaffold inspection to check that all scaffold boards are securely clipped in place before any work can commence. Site managers also review site hoardings to ensure they remain in good condition and intact.
At LST Projects, the health and safety of our staff, clients, clients' teams, contractors, and the general public is always our top priority. We consistently take external environmental factors into account. By maintaining strong communication and sharing best practices across our teams—both on and off-site—we ensure everyone is kept fully informed and prepared for any challenges that extreme weather may bring.
