Storm Cleanup Safety

The aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Florida this month has been devastating to say the least. The devastation spread for miles and has affects hundreds of people. The clean-up process can be extremely dangerous, and injuries are more likely to occur. With things like heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and power outages, OSHA has some great information on storm hazards and how to stay safe during the cleanup process. In his article, “Weathering Storm Cleanup Safety”, Peter Koch talks about some of the dangers of storm hazards, and what you can do to stay safe in the aftermath. He talks about flooding and water damage first, stating that the real dangers are what lies beneath the water, only being exposed once the water recedes. Stay clear of flooded waters and roadways, as you never know what may be underneath. Standing water can also leave room for mosquitos which can transit all kinds of illnesses. Building stability is another hazard Koch mentions. Weakened walls, unsecure power and gas lines, and unstable roofing can lead to injuries if not prepared to enter buildings without safety equipment. Working with partners or a team is also something Koch mentions in his article. Making sure you are not working alone, and always have someone to keep an eye out for you.

Read the rest of the tips and hazards Koch talks about in his article, as well as find an OSHA Fact Sheet, here:

Koch, P. (2022, October 20).Weathering Storm Cleanup Safety. WorkersCompensation.com. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.workerscompensation.com/news_read.php?id=42130