What to Do When Weather Turns Unsafe During EWP Operations

What’s the Plan When Weather Gets Rough?

You know what? Operating an Elevated Work Platform (EWP) comes with its fair share of hazards, and one of the most unpredictable is the weather. Maybe you’re up high—working on a construction site or even doing some aerial landscaping—and the sun starts shining, but then suddenly, clouds roll in, and the winds pick up. What do you do?

The Right Call When Bad Weather Strikes

When an EWP operator notices unsafe weather conditions—let’s say unexpected high winds, sudden rain, or even a looming storm—the right decision is crystal clear: immediately stop operations! That’s right; no hesitation. Think about it. Stopping operations allows you to assess the situation and prioritize safety for yourself and your crew. It’s not just a good idea; it’s crucial!

Why, you ask? Because adverse weather can turn a stable platform into a precarious one in seconds. High winds can compromise an EWP’s stability, rain can create visibility issues, and snow or ice can lead to slips and falls. Can you imagine trying to operate with a sudden gust of wind? It’s risky business, folks!

Safety First: A Common Sense Approach

Now, let’s clarify something. Continuing with operations in unsafe weather isn’t just a poor choice—it's downright dangerous. Even if you think you’ve got it all under control (or you’re just hoping for the best), it can quickly become hazardous. Damage to the EWP? Injuries for the crew? No thanks!

And here’s the kicker: consulting a supervisor before halting operations could delay action when every second counts. You might think waiting 15 minutes would give the weather a chance to calm down, but who’s to say it won’t worsen? A prudent operator knows that the smart move is to act quickly. When you see or feel unsafe conditions (that gut feeling is often spot on), just stop!

Making the Call

Once operations are stopped, take a step back. Use this time to evaluate the situation critically. Ask yourself: What’s going on? How bad is the visibility? Are there any hazards that I might not have considered? This assessment can help you and your crew determine the best course of action next. Check in on your teammates—make sure everyone is accounted for and safe.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about EWP operation; it reflects a larger workplace culture of safety. Every industry has its risks, but fostering a safety-first mentality goes a long way in building a responsible and responsive work environment. Encourage your team to speak up if they notice potential hazards, even ones that seem trivial. It’s amazing what team communication can do!

In Conclusion

So, the next time you’re up in an EWP and gray clouds loom overhead, remember: your first job is to ensure safety—yours and your crew’s. Stopping operations is more than a safety protocol; it’s a lifesaver. This moment of pause could prevent an accident and allow you to leave work safely at the end of the day.

Stay vigilant, stay safe, and remember: when in doubt, stop it out!

After all, nothing is more valuable than your safety and those who work with you. Let’s make every EWP operation a safe one!