Secure worksites for wild winds

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, with peak gusts of around 100km/h possible over western and central Victoria this afternoon before extending to parts of Gippsland and the state's north-east this evening.

Locations that may be affected include Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Melbourne, Wonthaggi and Bacchus Marsh.

Worksafe's Acting Director, Construction Program Tony Cockerell said loose objects on sites need to be removed from exposed areas or suitably secured to prevent them from blowing away.

"Buildings under construction, temporary fencing, roof sheets, scaffold planks and unsecured tools can become dangerous, airborne objects in high winds if not secured properly," Mr Cockerell said.

Winds at low elevations are expected to ease slightly for a period this afternoon before increasing again overnight.

Mr Cockerell said it's therefore critical employers ensure work sites are properly inspected to reduce the risks associated with high winds before workers head home.

"Where there is a risk of objects being blown around, there is a risk that workers and the general public will be harmed."