As Tropical Cyclone Alfred bears down on southeast Queensland, safety regulators are urging employers to secure worksites and implement robust safety measures to mitigate risks from heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the Category 2 cyclone will make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, with gale-force winds and torrential rainfall already impacting the region.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has issued detailed guidelines for employers to ensure site safety. These include securing loose materials, bracing temporary structures, and locking gates. Specific attention has been directed towards crane safety, with WHSQ advising that tower cranes should be allowed to “weather vane” or secured in accordance with professional engineering advice. Mobile cranes should have their booms retracted where practicable, and exclusion zones must be established if damage occurs. “Employers must act now to prevent hazards becoming airborne and causing harm,” a WHSQ spokesperson emphasised.
In addition to construction sites, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has highlighted risks for quarries in the cyclone’s path. Chief Inspector Hermann Fasching stressed the need for managing explosives to prevent misfires and ensuring emergency response systems are in place. “Structures that could become airborne projectiles must be addressed immediately,” Fasching warned.
Electrical safety is another critical focus. Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office has cautioned against using electrical equipment in wet areas and urged residents to treat all fallen powerlines as live. “Preparation is key—know where powerlines are on your property before evacuating,” the office advised.
Cyclone Alfred’s unusual trajectory towards densely populated areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast has raised concerns about significant flooding and structural damage. Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister confirmed disaster assistance for 12 councils, stating, “We’re prepared for Cyclone Alfred and urge Queenslanders to do the same.”
With over four million people in its path, including key urban centres, authorities are emphasising proactive measures. Public transport services have been suspended, schools closed, and emergency services deployed. As Premier David Crisafulli noted, “The system is already packing a punch—we thank everyone working tirelessly to keep Queenslanders safe.”
Employers are reminded that workplace safety remains paramount during extreme weather events.
