Health and safety advice during Storm Éowyn (RED weather warning)

According to the Met Office, a RED weather warning (Danger to Life) for Storm Éowyn is in place from 7.00am to 2.00pm on Friday 24 January 2025.

Gusts of up to 80mph are being predicted for most of the province from the early morning till late evening with the worst conditions during the morning and early afternoon.

The following events are expected:

• flying debris resulting in danger to life
• large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
• very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads
• power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• roads, bridges, and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights

There is a possibility of injuries and danger to life and disruption to all forms of travel, and employers should assess their work activities and take appropriate precautions.

HSENI has prepared the following advice for workplaces in relation to any work planned prior to, during, or after a storm. It is essential that all clean up and repair works are appropriately assessed and carried out safely.

The following areas require specific attention:

• extreme care must be taken when working with wind fallen / damaged trees, they may be unstable with the risk of crushing for people involved in cutting and removing them
• avoid all work at height, do not consider going on any roof or near exposed edges, winds in excess of 23mph (Force 5) will affect a person’s balance and increase the chance of falls
• stop work in places with a risk of falling objects or collapse of temporary structures, partially built structures, unsupported gable peaks etc
• remove or secure loose materials which may be blown and become a hazard
• access onto fragile roofs (corrugated iron, asbestos, PVC skylights etc), damaged during the storm should only be undertaken with appropriate equipment to prevent falls through the roof
• if electrical power lines have been blown down or if there are any exposed electrical conductors, these must not be approached and NIE should be contacted on 03457 643643
• check scaffolding is secured and adequately tied and if required provide additional ties or supports, following the storm the scaffolding needs to be inspected by a competent person before being brought back into use
• cranes should be inspected for damage prior to being brought back into service in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual
• cranes should be placed in a safe out of service condition, in particular Luffing jib cranes must be in free slew with the jib at a safe out of service radius, the manufacturer’s manual should be consulted for advice on taking the crane out of service in high winds
• after the storm excavations and partially completed structures should be inspected for strength and stability

While it is not possible to detail every work-related activity requiring attention as a result of storm damage, it is essential that employers should take account of the storm and the impact it may have had on work activities.

There may be significant damage following the storm, therefore it is essential that all clean up and repair works are both suitably assessed and carried out by competent persons.

The Met Office guidance states “Keep yourself and others safe; avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions. It is not safe to drive in these conditions.”
Employers should review the need to travel by road as part of their risk assessment and where possible avoid non-essential travel.

In general, it is not possible to detail every work-related activity, but all employers should assess their work activities and take appropriate precautions.

For further information please contact us on the HSENI helpline number:

• Telephone: 0800 0320 121

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