You Can’t Afford to Turn Your Back on Wind Hazards

A stiff wind, especially when coupled with chilly temperatures, increases the misery factor sometimes associated with working outdoors. But the wind can be much more than an annoyance. It can actually have life-threatening consequences, including the possibility of being blown off a roof while working at heights.

A bridge construction worker in Reynosa, Mexico who was tethered near the top of a 25-foot (7.6 meter) column of rebar was fatally crushed when a wind gust blew it over.

And in Toronto, Canada, a young worker fell 14 floors to his death. A wind gust, coupled with slippery conditions, is thought to have swept him off the building.

Wind gusts can come out of nowhere and wind directions can quickly change. If you are not paying attention, you could pay a terrible price.