As the temperature gets warmer it means more swimming and outdoor bbq’s, but it also bring an increased risk of severe weather. Employers need to make sure their safety plans and trainings reflect appropriate issues for their climate, especially if they have employees who work outdoors or may be traveling on the job. Natural disasters such as tornados, hurricanes, wildfires and floods can cause significant damage and pose a serious threat to worker safety. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in 2013 there were seven weather and climate disasters across the United States where the losses exceeded $1 billion each.
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Emergency Action Plans (EAP)
OSHA requires that almost all employers put together emergency action plans (EAP) to prepare for emergencies. An EAP covers specific steps that both employers and employees must take to ensure safety from fire and other emergencies.
At a minimum, OSHA states that an EAP “must include the following:
- A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies;
- An evacuation policy and procedure;
- Emergency escape procedures and route assignments, such as floor plans, workplace maps, and safe or refuge areas;
- Names, titles, departments, and telephone numbers of individuals both within and outside your company to contact for additional information or explanation of duties and responsibilities under the emergency plan;
- Procedures for employees who remain to perform or shut down critical plant operations, operate fire extinguishers, or perform other essential services that cannot be shut down for every emergency alarm before evacuating; and
- Rescue and medical duties for any workers designated to perform them. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3088.html
An employer’s EAP should address what to do in the event of a natural disaster. The EAP should include where to take shelter, when and how to evacuate, policies to make sure everyone is accounted for and procedures for addressing any hazardous material both at the shelter and after the disaster.
In addition to an EAP, employers should have emergency supply kits kept in all shelter locations and vehicles. Employers should also have regular emergency training and exercises so that all employees know what to do in an emergency.
Tornados
Tornados are violently rotating columns of air. They have been reported in every state. They can completely destroy structures and send heavy objects hurtling through the air. A Tornado Watch is when tornadoes are possible in the area. A Tornado Warning is when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
After a tornado, hazards include the potential for additional storms, downed electric lines, and sharp debris.
The Red Cross has a Tornado Safety Checklist available at: http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340177_Tornado.pdf
Hurricanes
Hurricane hazards include storm surges, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes and rip currents. Hurricanes, also known as typhoons or cyclones, are a form of tropical cyclone. A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms starting over tropical or subtropical waters with a closed, low-level circulation. Tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating.
In March 2014 FEMA published a guide for employers to prepare their employees for hurricane emergencies. It is called “Prepare Your People for Hurricane Safety” and is available at http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1395860085235-56ee8a61d2476187b3559a71a6047c64/20140318_PYP_HUR_WP_508.pdf
To learn more about hurricanes see: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/hurricane/resources/TropicalCyclones11.pdf
Floods
Floods are a common emergency that workers might face. Flood warning systems can be confusing. Flood Watch means that flooding is possible. Flash Flood Watch means that flash flooding is possible and you should be prepared to move to higher ground. Flood Warning is an imminent threat that flooding is occurring or will occur soon and if you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Flash Flood Warning is an imminent threat that a flash flood is occurring or will occur soon. You should seek higher ground on foot immediately.
Avoid driving in flood conditions. Almost half of flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Driving through even six inches of water can be dangerous and stall a vehicle. A foot of water can float a car.
The OSHA Resources page has QuickCards and Fact Sheets that provide details about hazards present in flooded areas and after a flood has occurred available at https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/flood/osharesources.html
Wildfires
Wildfires can quickly occur in dry areas. OSHA has preparedness and response/recovery pages to help employers protect their workers from wildfires. These are available at https://www.osha.gov/dts/wildfires/index.html
Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Principal, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: [email protected].
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