A hurricane can wreak havoc on homes, communities, and construction job-sites alike. But the one thing it can’t wash away is a worker’s right to a safe workplace.

Construction crews responsible for job-site cleanup and recovery post-hurricane face serious health hazards. From dealing with downed power lines to spilled chemicals to wildlife on the loose, workers must exercise extreme caution in such perilous circumstances.

Lou Bueno, Senior Risk Management Consultant at Builders Mutual, discusses common safety risks faced by cleanup crews and how they can protect themselves and minimize the impact on their business.

Floodwaters run deep – and dangerous

Hurricanes often bring floods, and floods in turn bring a host of cleanup hazards:

Contaminated water

Floods do more than drench and displace equipment and materials. They can also upend drinking water and sewage systems, spread toxic and agricultural waste, and dislodge stored chemicals. In addition, they may contain bacteria and other infectious organisms that carry disease. Workers can protect themselves by:

  • Keeping an adequate supply of clean water available for washing and drinking.
  • Washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food.
  • Having key personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand, including waterproof boots, latex or rubber gloves, and other protective clothing to avoid skin contact with floodwaters.

Falls

It’s not just that wet surfaces cause slips and falls. Floodwaters can cover the ground waist high, even after a storm has passed, making it difficult to find your footing and avoid sudden drop-offs.

The job-site hazard assessment must be heightened to find the unforeseen, says Bueno. He suggests having an experienced worker who knows the terrain well to guide the crew initially through the job-site to point out hidden dangers. Also, use a pole to check flooded areas for holes and underwater objects. The pole can be used as a walking stick and a tool to protect yourself.

Animals and insects

In the Southeast, displaced water from the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, or swollen rivers may house any number of harmful creatures, including snakes and alligators. What’s more, standing bodies of water can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can transmit several diseases. Proceed with caution and make sure that your emergency response plan is updated to meet these hazards.

Mold

Once floodwaters have receded, it’s possible for mold to grow on wet drywall, ceiling tiles, wood, carpet, and the outdoor environment as well. Exposure to mold can cause sickness or aggravate allergies. Cleanup crews working on mold-contaminated areas must consider various ways to protect themselves:

  • Use an N-95 NIOSH-approved disposable respirator.
  • Wash your skin thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
  • Seek professional assistance from mold removal experts if the contamination is extensive.

For any flooded job-site, make sure you designate an elevated area where supervisors can easily assess cleanup activities and risks.

Handle electrical dangers appropriately – by not handling them

High winds generated by hurricanes can topple power lines, which may present fire or electrical hazards, especially if the lines encounter water. The electrical current easily travels across water, increasing the hazard zone. The current can also travel on damp surface areas. When crews see downed lines, they should:

  • Assume they are energized.
  • Stay out of the water or damp surface area. Keep away and mark off a danger zone if possible.
  • Allow utility companies to repair the downed or damaged power lines.
  • Turn off electrical systems in damaged buildings before beginning work, and do not turn power on again until inspected by an electrician who provides the go-ahead.

Additional hazards and precautions to take

Here are some other common cleanup and recovery hazards that deserve attention:

  • Use of portable generators. Make sure generators are used in properly ventilated areas; never operate them inside closed spaces like garages, because they can produce carbon monoxide, a “silent killer.”
  • Debris disposal. Use proper respiratory protection when removing or demolishing building materials, as they may contain asbestos or produce silica dust (e.g., when cutting cement or bricks).
  • Trenches. Verify a trench’s stability before entering. All trenches need to be supported, and those five feet deep or greater must have a protective system such as trench box, shielding, shoring, or sloping to prevent cave-ins.

In these events, what PPE do you need?

During cleanup and recovery, wearing proper PPE is crucial:

  • Rubber boots will keep workers dry and prevent slipping. Make sure they have a steel protective layer to protect against injury from protruding objects (e.g., board with nails).
  • Gloves that are made with both rubber and cloth will offer waterproof protection while also increasing dexterity.
  • Masks prevent not only inhalation of asbestos, silica, and mold, but also noxious odors from trash and decaying animals that can overwhelm workers.

With limited resources, contractors may wonder what’s necessary for which cleanup activity. OSHA provides a handy PPE matrix that matches the equipment needed for a range of tasks.

Prepare for the worst – to be at your best

To ease the cleanup and recovery process and limit the amount of damage, contractors can take several steps to prepare beforehand. These high-level moves will help set you up for success:

  • Fill out a preparedness checklist. These guides, often supplied by the government or building supply stores, can help you keep track of the materials you need and the activities you need to accomplish days and hours before a storm hits.
  • Monitor your supplies. On a regular basis – at least once a year – review the equipment, PPE, and any perishables (e.g., food, water) you have on hand to make sure they are in working order or have not expired.
  • Don’t forget about employees’ families. When a hurricane hits, workers will worry about the safety of their own homes and families, too. Give employees the time and resources to prepare for their own lives and families.

The point: hurricane preparedness and cleanup can’t be done alone. That’s where Builders Mutual can help. Local and experienced, our risk management consultants understand contractors’ unique territories, so we can help you prepare for local conditions and guide you to nearby resources based on your needs. We can also review your preparedness checklists with you and create safety plans for your cleanup activities.

What’s more, we can help contractors start thinking through “what if” scenarios post-hurricane. For example, what happens if you can no longer purchase materials from your preferred vendors if they’re inoperable after a storm? Answering these types of questions and putting a plan together beforehand can keep your business up and running.

Contact your risk management consultant today to learn how to prepare now before the next hurricane hits this season.