As first responders and emergency personal continue efforts in Colorado after major flooding over the weekend, NIOSH offers informational resources for minimizing risks of work-related injury or illness from recovery activities.
Storms over the weekend have left more than 15 counties in Colorado under water, forcing some locals to evacuate. With more than 1,000 residents left unaccounted for, many volunteers and emergency personal have begun efforts to assist victims.
Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup need to be aware of the potential dangers involved in storm and flood clean-up activities. Workers may encounter hazards such as: electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls. NIOSH offers links and other information on disaster site management, generator safety, flood clean-up, and other issue, intended to help employers and workers prepare in advance for anticipated response activities, and to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.