Hurricane season is coming to an end, but areas impacted by heavy storms are beginning the process of rebuilding communities which starts with hurricane cleanup. Whether or not your area was affected by a hurricane this season, it is never a bad idea to stay informed about cleanup hazards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has compiled a list of tips to ensure workers stay safe and healthy while cleaning up after natural disasters:
- Use a wooden stick or pole to check flooded areas for pits and holes before entering
- Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to verify stability before entering a flooded or formerly flooded building
- Do not touch downed power lines or any object or water that is in contact with such lines
- Treat all power lines as energized
- Beware of overhead and underground powerlines when clearing debris
- Establish a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event of an emergency
- Report any obvious hazards such as downed power lines, frayed electric wires, gas leaks or snakes to appropriate authorities
- Always wear watertight boots with steel toe and insole gloves, long pants and safety glasses during cleanup operations
- Clean, cool water and sun screen should be available for workers
Educating workers on hurricane cleanup safety allows them to work cautiously at the workplace or when providing assistance to their neighbors and communities. Staying informed about cleanup hazards reduces risk of injury for everyone involved.
Nova Medical Centers solely focuses on occupational health. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional services and helping our clients prioritize their health and safety above all else. Communicating up-to-date OSHA safety regulations and trends to employers and employees allows us to assists clients in creating a safer workplace environment. Contact Us to learn more about any of our services. Our skilled and friendly staff members are ready to meet all your occupational health needs.
Written by Nayda Sanchez
