One of the characteristic traits of the Queensland climate is the high degree of weather variability. Nevertheless, there is one thing that remains certain when it comes to working in the wet season – you will have to face the extreme weather. From November until April, the north and east of the country experience numerous cyclones, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms.
Therefore, working in such environment implies dealing with unexpected delays, spoilage of the materials, and above all else, ensuring the safety of your crew members.
Knowing the Risks and Hazards Associated With the Wet Season
First of all, you have to familiarise yourself with the risks of working in the wet season. In addition to causing the surface to become impassable within hours, torrential rains cause a direct danger for your workers since it leads to filling up trenches and other dug-out places.
Moreover, there is a significant risk of the erosion of the foundation caused by rapid water flow. Environmental runoff will eventually get into rivers, streams, or other waterways, which is strictly prohibited by law and might lead to fines issued by environmental protection agencies.
Finally, you have to consider the risk of material damage. Dry wall, timber, cement, and other building materials are extremely vulnerable to moisture. Leaving these materials uncovered will lead to their spoilage. Therefore, you will have to spend both money and effort on purchasing new materials.
Site Preparations Against Bad Weather Conditions
Thus, it becomes obvious that the process of preparing your site for bad weather has to include several steps.
Walk Around the Site to Identify Potential Risks
Foremost, you have to inspect your site in order to find the potential weak points. These could be spots where water tends to accumulate, vulnerable soil that is prone to erosion, and the places that can be reached by debris carried by the wind. Knowing the weak points of your site will help you focus on the right priorities.
Improve the Drainage
One of the problems that you need to solve prior to the start of any work is drainage. Having pools of standing water complicates the work process dramatically. Dig trenches and build silt fences to redirect the water flow to safe areas. Clear the gutters, storm drains, and pipelines of any obstacles.
Secure Your Construction Materials
All construction materials kept on your site must be secured against weather exposure. Keep all of them raised above the ground using pallets. Cover these materials with durable waterproof tarpaulins, tying them firmly to the ground. Try moving some of the electronics and interior finishes to weatherproof containers whenever possible.
Safety Management of Your Site in the Rainy Season
In addition to preparing your site for rainy weather, you have to manage it properly during this period.
Ensure Safe Usage of Machinery
The machinery that you use at the site is the most expensive piece of equipment that you own. That is why parking all of it on high ground after each day of work is a must. Protect its engine and cabin from being exposed to moisture by using waterproof covers. In such a way, you will protect your expensive equipment and ensure its proper functioning for years to come.
Utilise Sandbags for Flood Protection and Have an Emergency Plan Ready
You always have to be ready for heavy rains, particularly in the case of Queensland. That is why you have to place sandbags in Brisbane, at strategic positions to avoid having the floodwater getting into trenches, excavations, or the foundations. It would also make sense to draft the plan of actions in case of an emergency situation. Every worker has to know about their responsibilities in such situations.
Maintain Workers’ Safety
The probability of accidents related to slippery surfaces and poor visibility increases dramatically during the rain. Ensure that all employees wear the appropriate footwear and clothing. If the situation gets out of control and becomes life-threatening, stop all activities immediately.
Summary
Indeed, working in the wet season is quite difficult. However, the timely preparation and management of the process will make everything easier. You have to conduct site inspection this week, improve its drainage, and protect all of your construction materials from weather exposure. This will help you save both time and money on repair work.
