by Brianna Crandall — September 7, 2016 — During cleanup and recovery efforts from the flooding in Louisiana and the impacts of Tropical Storm / Hurricane Hermine, emergency workers, employers and the public at large should be aware of the hazards they may encounter and take necessary steps to stay safe, urges the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA’s regional administrator for the Southeast, stated:
Recovery work should not send you to the hospital emergency room. A range of safety and health hazards exist following storms. You can minimize these dangers with knowledge, safe work practices and personal protective equipment. OSHA wants to make certain that all working men and women — including volunteers — return home at the end of the workday.
Hurricane, tornado and other storm cleanup may involve hazards related to restoring electricity, communications, and water and sewer services. Other hazards pertain to demolition activities, debris cleanup, tree trimming, hazardous waste operations, emergency response activities, and structural, roadway and bridge repair. OSHA has a comprehensive Web site with guidance to keep disaster-site workers safe in tornado and storm cleanup and recovery operations.
Flooded areas have unique cleanup challenges, including dam and levee repair, removal of floodwater from structures, and repairing downed electrical wires in standing water. Workers and residents taking defensive action to protect structures or evacuate severely impacted areas may encounter hazards such as rapidly rising streams and moving water. OSHA has many resources on flood preparedness and response detailing how to stay safe during floods and subsequent cleanup.
Only workers provided with the proper training, equipment and experience should conduct cleanup activities, says OSHA.
Protective measures should include the following:
- Evaluate all work areas for hazards.
- Employ engineering or work practice controls to mitigate hazards.
- Use personal protective equipment.
- Assume all power lines are live.
- Use portable generators, saws, ladders, vehicles and other equipment properly.
- Heed safety precautions for traffic work zones.
Individuals involved in recovery efforts may call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800/321-OSHA (6742) or visit the agency’s Web site to reach local representatives who can provide on-site assistance. See OSHA’s guidance on hurricane, tornado, and flood cleanup online.
