Worker Safety After a Flood

The danger of a flood does not end when the rains cease. Cleanup crews must work together and look out for one another to ensure safety.

First aid, even for minor cuts and burns, is very important during flood cleanup. Immediately clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Most cuts, except minor scratches, will require treatment to prevent tetanus. Talk to a doctor to find out what treatment you need.

For most work in flooded areas, workers will need hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, and watertight boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank).

Excessive noise from equipment such as chain saws, backhoes, tractors, pavement breakers, blowers, and dryers may cause ringing in the ears and subsequent hearing damage. If you must shout over noise to be heard, you should wear earplugs or other hearing protection devices.

Related Links

• Storm & Flood Cleanup (Worker Safety)
  Work-related hazards that could be encountered include electrical hazards, carbon monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces, & falls. From the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  
  
• Traumatic Incident Stress: Information for Emergency Response Workers
  Members of emergency response teams may be at risk for experiencing traumatic incident stress.