Severe weather

Scope

Every employer can be affected by severe weather, but the specific risks depend on the location and type of work being performed. Tornadoes and flooding may be a concern in inland or low-lying areas, hurricanes and storm surge along the coasts, and winter storms in colder regions. Outdoor workers and those in temporary or lightweight structures often face the greatest risk. OSHA requires an emergency action plan when another OSHA standard requires one. When an EAP is required, employers should address severe weather emergencies that could reasonably occur at their workplace, including how employees will be warned, where they should shelter in place, and when evacuation may be necessary. The General Duty Clause also requires employers to protect employees from recognized serious hazards, which may include reasonably foreseeable severe weather hazards.

Regulatory requirements

• 29 CFR 1910.38 — Emergency action plans
• 29 CFR 1910.165 — Employee alarm systems
• 29 USC 654 — General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act of 1970

Definitions

• Shelter-in-place: Staying inside the workplace or moving to a designated safe area within it, rather than evacuating; used when going outside is more dangerous than staying put, such as during a tornado.
• Shelter area: A designated interior space, commonly on the lowest floor and away from windows and exterior walls, where employees gather during a tornado or high-wind event.
• Watch: A National Weather Service (NWS) alert meaning conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a signal to prepare and stay alert.
• Warning: An NWS alert meaning severe weather is occurring or imminent. It’s a signal to take protective action immediately.
• Storm surge: The abnormal rise of water above normal tide levels driven by a hurricane’s winds, capable of flooding coastal work sites.
• Flash flood: Rapid flooding of low-lying areas in a short period, often with little or no warning, following heavy rain.

Summary of requirements

Employers planning for severe weather should:

• Identify the severe weather hazards most likely to occur at the site, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, storm surge, floods or flash flooding, lightning, and winter storms, based on the location and the work being performed.
• Establish a means of monitoring conditions, such as NOAA Weather Radio, weather alert apps, or local media, so watches and warnings are received in time to prepare or take protective action.
• Implement a reliable alarm or notification method to warn employees, using a distinctive signal for weather emergencies, and make sure it can be heard or seen by everyone, including those with disabilities.
• Designate shelter areas at the lowest level, away from windows and exterior walls, with enough room for all employees and visitors.
• Establish shelter-in-place and evacuation procedures, including when employees should move to a designated safe area inside the workplace and who has the authority to order each response.
• Account for all employees once they’ve reached shelter or evacuated, and include a method for tracking visitors, contractors, and customers.
• Train employees on how they’ll be warned, where to go, and what to do for each type of severe weather. Hold periodic drills to test your procedures.
• Review and update the plan as conditions, staffing, or the facility change.