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Copyright © 2020, City of Glasgow College
Severe Weather
A Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather (Scottish Government)
The College endorses the Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather, and in particular
recognises that the priority of the health, safety, and well-being of workers, which is
paramount.
Action
Infrastructure: advance actions:
• Check windows, close shutters, nail down and brace loose frames.
• Board up openings where necessary.
• Secure loose objects in the open.
• Move drums of chemicals/ fuels to safety.
• Inspect and secure roof and loose coverings.
• Ensure gutters, drains etc. are cleared.
• Obtain sandbags/ barriers and utilise as appropriate.
• Evaluate requirements to isolate utilities.
• Move stored goods out of reach of water damage.
• Ensure storage tanks are anchored.
• Move or cover machinery and plant.
• Consider personal protective equipment requirements for staff.
• Ensure adequate stock of food/ water etc.
• Check adequacy of current fuel stock.
Communications:
• Maintain constant monitoring of Met Office/Scottish Government weather warning and
advice and communicate this to staff.
• Determine if staff should be asked not to attend work/be sent home (ref. Severe
Weather Procedure) taking account of travel information, and communicate clearly.
• Agree specific times when messages to staff and student will be published via website.
• Give particular attention to the different circumstances workers may face that may
increase risk, e.g. disability, medical condition or pregnancy, and make allowances
as appropriate.
• Consider the duty of care to essential workers, mitigating risks as much as possible.
Actions to be taken during severe weather:
• Ensure staff are located in a place of safety.
• Monitor weather forecasts/ websites/social media.
• Liaise with Emergency Services concerning recommended course of action.
• Ensure staff do not put themselves at risk.
• Keep staff informed.
• SMT to take decisions with staff and student safety in mind at all times, and to act
accordingly in the absence of communication from Business Continuity Team.
• Use text messaging and/or teleconferencing to senior managers as appropriate.