Experts estimate that around 55 tornadoes and flash floods ripped through areas of the South and Midwest during a seven-day span from Dec. 23 to Dec. 28, leaving dozens dead. Meteorologists, such as Adam Dean, cited the rarity of not only tornados during winter months, but the frequency of their occurrence over a multi-day time frame. Dean discovered that only in 1982 and 1953 did at least one tornado touch down within a six-day period.
"Unfortunately, for residents of the US Southern states, this is an El Nino year, so the storm potential in the eastern Pacific is greater," Rob McElwee at Al Jazeera wrote. "Recent flooding in Oregon and major snowfall throughout the Rockies and Desert states shows the recent increase in activity. Coupled with this, the Gulf of Mexico is warmer than usual, giving rise to much more evaporation and creating a constant feed of humid soup over the Southern states."
In the aftermath of a disaster, such as a flood or tornado, emergency responders and workers will be on the scene. In an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) press release, the agency warned the public about the dangerous nature of the work and that there are plenty of work area hazards that workers could come into contact with.
Roadways could be obstructed or slippery, leading to hazardous driving conditions, along with sharp or electrically charged objects strewn over the ground, making recovery efforts problematic. Fall, struck-by and drowning hazards are also all risks, along with worker exhaustion and dehydration.
"Roadways could be obstructed … leading to hazardous driving conditions."
Emergency workers are urged to always evaluate the work location for hazards before beginning, along with being equipped with personal protective equipment. OSHA also encouraged workers to assume that all power lines are live, particularly in areas with heavy flooding. It is vital that workers use all necessary equipment or vehicles properly and follow safety precautions for traffic work zones.
"Recovery work should not put you in the hospital emergency room," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta. "A range of safety and health hazards exist following storms. You may 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."
Even with disaster recovery, employers, employees and volunteers must remain diligent in identifying and addressing any worksite hazards to minimize any associated risks. To keep your workers safe, contact IndustrySafe today to learn about how our environmental, health and safety management software can keep you in compliance with OSHA regulations. Visit our website for more information about how we can help your organization maintain OSHA regulatory compliance.