Zurich offers information on worker safety in post-Gustav cleanup and recovery operations for business properties

Business Wire, Sept 2, 2008

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- Zurich, a leading property and casualty insurance provider in North America and globally, today offered information to business owners and managers about specific steps they can take to ensure their workers are safe during cleanup and recovery operations after Hurricane Gustav.

Assuring the safety and security of workers in the aftermath of a disaster requires planning and consideration of several issues. These operations can be very hazardous to workers. Cleanup and recovery of minor damage can be handled with internal resources, whereas a major recovery operation will require working with contractors and salvage specialists.

After an initial damage assessment and securing of facilities, salvage operations may be undertaken. Salvage operations may range from securing undamaged equipment and goods to salvaging of electronic equipment, documents, furniture and other items. Care must be taken while working with any equipment that is water damaged to minimize electrical hazards and damage to the equipment itself. Many of the salvage tasks require specialized skills and knowledge. Salvage of telecommunication equipment, electronic data and documents is a highly specialized task that is better left to professionals.

General safety/personal protective equipment:

* Equip workers with a complement of routine safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, heavy work gloves and steel-toed safety shoes or boots.

* Additional protective equipment, such as respirators, chemical protective gloves or suits, etc., should be provided as needed. Selection of proper equipment should be made by a qualified safety professional.

* All activities should have a pre-plan meeting and be clearly communicated to all workers.

* Clean, cool, portable water should be available for workers. In addition, workers should be encouraged to practice good personal hygiene, such as washing thoroughly before eating or at the end of a work shift.

* Commercially available disinfecting solutions may be useful in allowing workers to practice good personal hygiene.

* Use of chain saws and other equipment may present a noise exposure requiring the use of hearing protection.

* Flood and other disasters may result in hazardous material spills and leaks that can present significant environmental issues and injury potential among workers.

Structural safety:

* A visual inspection by a competent person for structural safety should be completed before entering any type of structure.

* Emergency repairs of structural areas may have to be undertaken to secure the structural elements including walls, ceilings and roofs.

* Any severely damaged areas should be reviewed by a qualified structural engineer prior to entry or any work being performed.

* Watch for damage to structural elements of the building that may be weakened by standing water or during debris removal.

* Isolate unsafe areas by use of physical barricades and other means, e.g., signage to restrict access.

Tool safety:

* Tools being used should be examined to ensure they are in good working order. Any damaged tool should be taken out of service.

* The electrical supply for power tools should be equipped with Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) protection.

* Appropriate guards and safety devices should be in place on all chain and circular saws, drills, grinders and other equipment.

* If gasoline or diesel generators or compressors are used, they should be placed in a manner to allow adequate venting of exhaust gases out of the work area to minimize creating a carbon monoxide exposure.

Work at heights:

* Assure a steady, solid work area for all work at heights.

* Use tie-off procedures if adequate guardrails are not present.

* Inspect all ladders to ensure they are in good condition and monitor placement/use to ensure they are placed and used properly.

* In unusual circumstances or when in doubt, wait to perform work at heights until adequate man lifts, scaffolding and/or other equipment is present.

Electrical hazards:

* Electrical and gas utilities may have been shut off by emergency service personnel. Ensure worker safety before they are restored.

* Care should be taken around downed power lines until it can be verified from the local utility that they have been de-energized. All downed power lines should be treated as "live" until de-energized process confirmation is received.

* Caution should be taken with the potential for live electrical lines in standing water.

* Shorted wiring and interior electrical systems may inadvertently energize standing water in basements or other areas posing a potential electrocution hazard.

* Existing or repaired systems should be equipped with GFI protection.

* Use of extension cords in wet areas should be avoided. In addition, any frayed or damaged electrical cords should be discarded.

Standing and moving water:

* Care should be exercised when entering moving or standing water. Moving water can be dangerous for even good swimmers. Standing water can hide unexpected hazards, such as holes or tripping hazards.