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Weather Protocols

Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Superintendents, Foremen, All Field

Purpose​

Establish procedures for managing weather-related impacts on construction operations.

Weather Monitoring​

Daily:​

  • Check forecast morning and evening
  • Monitor radar for approaching weather
  • Communicate conditions to crews

Sources:​

  • National Weather Service
  • Weather apps
  • On-site conditions
  • Weather radio (severe weather areas)

Weather Decision Matrix​

ConditionAction
Rain (light)Cover materials, continue most work
Rain (heavy)Suspend exterior work, protect site
LightningSuspend all outdoor work
High wind (25+ mph)Restrict crane, evaluate other work
High wind (40+ mph)Suspend elevated work
Extreme heat (95°F+)Implement heat illness prevention
Extreme cold (32°F-)Monitor for cold stress, protect work
Snow/IceEvaluate conditions, clear as needed

Rain Procedures​

Light Rain:​

  • Cover exposed materials
  • Protect electrical work
  • Modify activities as needed
  • Document conditions

Heavy Rain:​

  • Stop exterior work
  • Cover all openings
  • Protect stored materials
  • Check drainage
  • Document conditions

After Rain:​

  • Inspect for damage
  • Check standing water
  • Verify electrical safety
  • Resume work when safe

Lightning Safety​

30/30 Rule:​

  • If thunder follows lightning by 30 seconds or less, seek shelter
  • Wait 30 minutes after last thunder to resume work

When Lightning Approaches:​

  1. Stop all outdoor work immediately
  2. Move to enclosed building or vehicle
  3. Stay away from tall objects
  4. Avoid water, metal objects, high ground
  5. Do NOT resume until 30 minutes after last thunder

Wind Procedures​

Wind Speed Guidelines:​

SpeedRestrictions
15-25 mphUse caution with materials
25-35 mphRestrict crane operations
35+ mphStop elevated work
40+ mphConsider site shutdown

High Wind Actions:​

  • Secure loose materials
  • Lower crane boom
  • Secure scaffolds
  • Stop elevated work
  • Protect incomplete work

Heat Illness Prevention​

When Temperatures Exceed 80°F:​

Provide:

  • Water (1 quart/hour/worker)
  • Shade
  • Rest breaks
  • Training on symptoms

Additional Measures at 95°F+:​

  • Mandatory rest in shade
  • Buddy system
  • Modified work hours
  • Emergency response ready

Heat Illness Symptoms:​

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness, fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Confusion (emergency)
  • Loss of consciousness (emergency)

Cold Weather Procedures​

When Temperatures Below 40°F:​

Provide:

  • Warm break areas
  • Hot beverages
  • Layered clothing guidance
  • Rotation of workers

Cold Stress Symptoms:​

  • Shivering
  • Numbness
  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination

Concrete/Masonry Cold Weather:​

  • Monitor temperatures
  • Heat materials as needed
  • Protect placed concrete
  • Follow cold weather specs

Snow and Ice​

Before Snow:​

  • Cover materials
  • Secure site
  • Plan access clearing

During Snow:​

  • Monitor accumulation
  • Clear critical access
  • Protect work in progress
  • Document conditions

After Snow:​

  • Clear access
  • Remove from structures (if needed)
  • Check for ice
  • Resume when safe

Documentation​

Weather Log:​

  • Date and time
  • Conditions (temp, wind, precipitation)
  • Impact on work
  • Decisions made
  • Documentation for potential claims

In Daily Report:​

  • Weather conditions (AM/PM)
  • Impact on work
  • Work days lost (if any)
  • Photos of conditions

Documentation for Claims:​

  • Weather data (official sources)
  • Daily report entries
  • Photos of conditions
  • Impact on specific activities
  • Schedule analysis
  • Daily Reporting Procedure
  • Heat Illness Prevention Plan
  • Emergency Action Plan
  • Safety Policies

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