At What Wind Speed Do You Stop Working at Heights?

25 February 2026
Hi-Point
Scaffolding

As a scaffolder or roofer, it is crucial to understand which weather conditions are too dangerous to work in and when to halt operations. If you have ever had concerns about working on scaffolding or roofing during heavy rain, high winds, or snow, Hi-Point Access has got the answers for you. So, what is a safe wind speed for working at heights?

HSE guidelines and weather experts agree on the following advice for working at heights during wind:

Wind speeds of 23mph and higher (Force 5) will affect your balance
You should stop working at heights during strong winds
Strong winds include wind speeds from 18 to 40mph

Read on to learn more about when to pause work on scaffolding and roofing due to adverse weather conditions.

What is the Maximum Wind Speed for Working Safely on Scaffolding?

There is no set ‘maximum’ or safest wind speed for working at height on scaffolding, though Force 5 winds (wind speeds of 23mph or higher) will affect a worker’s balance, particularly at height.

Strong winds can also affect the structural integrity of scaffolding, posing an additional risk for continued use during adverse weather. Additionally, tools and materials that are not secured may be blown away and cause injury or damage to equipment.

Generally, anything below 20mph is a safe wind speed for working at height.

Can Scaffolding Withstand High Winds?

Scaffolding structures should be built in accordance with TG20:21, meaning that they should be able to withstand the very worst possible weather conditions that the UK sees.

Aluminium scaffolding is a lightweight alternative to traditional scaffolding that is easy to transport, erect, and dismantle. Although it is more environmentally-friendly, aluminium faces a higher risk of moving or collapsing during strong weather.

Who Decides When To Stop Work Because of Strong Winds?

Most sites will conduct a risk assessment that identifies an individual with the authority to suspend work due to adverse weather conditions. The risk assessment should also identify what “adverse weather conditions” are (e.g. a specific wind speed) and how likely they are to impact the safety of workers.

How Can You Work Safely on Scaffolding During Windy Conditions?

Hi-Point Access does not recommend working on scaffolding when wind speeds are above 23mph—a safe wind speed for working at height is 20mph or lower—but here are a few tips for working at a height when it’s a little more windy than usual:

Check the weather forecast before commencing work and regularly monitor conditions throughout the day
Wear a harness when working above 1.5m
Ensure that structures are properly erected, secured and maintained
Ensure that tools and materials are secure and do not pose a risk to those below
Wear eye protection to keep out dust and debris: other relevant PPE should be worn depending on the height of the project
Do not operate hoisting equipment or operate cranes during strong winds

For more information on how to protect yourself and others when working at height, check out our recent blog: At What Height Above Ground Are You Required to Wear Fall Protection?

Can You Work Safely on Scaffolding in the Rain?

It is possible to work on scaffolding in the rain, though cold and wet conditions can affect productivity and worker safety, so may not be worth the risk. Workers should avoid working on scaffolding during particularly heavy rain and storms, as the risk of slipping, being struck, or falling off is greatly increased.

Always check the weather forecast before work commences and keep an eye on any changes during the day to protect all employees.

Exercising Caution On Scaffolding During Storms

OSHA recommends that all outdoor work stop as soon as thunder is heard and storms are in the area. Scaffolding workers are at an increased risk for lightning storms due to the metal structure and the height at which they are working, so work should stop until the storm has passed.

For regular, mildly wet weather, work can go ahead as usual, but consider laying down some traction material on the scaffold boards to increase stability.

Close-up of a ladder leading up to scaffolding on a house

Hire Safe Scaffolding at Hi-Point

If you are about to enter a project that requires reliable and safe scaffolding in Sheffield or South Yorkshire, Hi-Point Access has a range of options to suit your needs. Whether you are looking to hire mobile scaffolding, indoor scaffolding, or traditional steel tube scaffolding, we’ll provide the right access solutions for your project.

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Working on Scaffolding FAQs

Should Scaffolders Work in the Snow?

Whilst snow is uncommon here in the UK, we do see it occasionally, and it’s important to know when to stop working at heights during this weather. Light snowfall that doesn’t settle is as hazardous to workers on scaffolding as light rain, but work should stop if:

Snowfall becomes heavier
Snowfall impacts vision
Snow begins to settle on surfaces
Water begins to freeze or becomes icy

How Do I Find Out the Wind Speed?

You can assess the local wind speed either by checking online with weather services or by looking for these visual clues:

1–3mph: Wind barely moves tree leaves
4–7mph: Wind can be felt on face, leaves rustle
8–12mph: Flags are extended out, leaves are in constant motion
13–18mph: Wind raises loose paper from the ground
19–24mph: Large branches sway, crested wavelets form on large bodies of water
25–31mph: Umbrellas are hard to use, whistling sounds heard from telephone lines
32–46mph: Whole trees in motion and small branches snap, hard to walk against the wind
47mph and over: The wind is considered a ‘gale’ and structural damage occurs

How Does Hi-Point Access Ensure Safe Scaffolding Work During High Winds?

Hi-Point Access uses professional equipment, safety harnesses, and expert judgement when necessary to prevent accidental falls and injuries during high winds. Our on-site foremen and inspectors are experienced enough to judge the early signs of high winds, stopping work once it becomes clear that it would be dangerous to continue.

At What Wind Speed Do You Stop Working at Heights?

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