Lockton Offers Advice On Worker Risks From Sandy Recovery

As the country recovers from the damage left by hurricane Sandy, here are tips to stay safe and protect your workers

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Nov 06, 2012, 10:01 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The historic devastation left in the wake of hurricane Sandy has affected millions of people and businesses, and will result in billions of dollars in damage. According to a new article from Lockton, workers and their companies helping with cleanup efforts need to be cautious about the many health and safety risks associated with the storm and the resulting debris.

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The article—Worker Safety: Health and Safety Risks During Superstorm Sandy Cleanup—offers an overview of some of the most significant exposures which face workers.

"Floodwater is usually very contaminated. By the time it settles enough to allow people to walk through it, the water has picked up sewage, debris, dead animals, and dangerous objects," wrote Annamarie Gibbs, Senior Vice President and Manager-Risk Control Services for Lockton.

Some of the risks outlined in the article include:

Displaced Rats: Workers should not reach into dark places without appropriate personal protective equipment, and make sure all their food supplies are isolated and contained.
Use of Machinery: Machinery in a closed environment can create deadly levels of carbon monoxide if not exhausted to the atmosphere.
Power and Gas Lines: Workers who accidentally come in direct contact with active lines may die as a result of circulatory or respiratory failure.
Asbestos: When workers inhale asbestos fibers, the fibers remain lodged in their bodies and can cause severe and fatal diseases.
Lack of Worker Hygiene: Workers should wash their hands and faces regularly. Clothing should be changed frequently and stored in plastic bags prior to washing.

Before sending workers into a cleanup site, some functions companies should consider include:

Assessment and Planning: If workers are from outside the area, it is important they know the situation, culture, politics and the different groups and things that could cause danger, pre-plan security measures.

Communication: Communicate with workers regularly. Require them to keep a timeline and take photos as the work progresses.

Addressing Worker Needs: They may suffer a frightening incident and need comforting. In case of serious trauma, professional help may be needed.

Compliance with Safety Regulations: Personal protective equipment, training and the right equipment will be crucial.

The paper is available free at www.Lockton.com at directly at this link http://www.lockton.com/Insights-And-Publications/White-Papers/Worker-Safety-Risks-During-Superstorm-Sandy-Cleanup

About Lockton

More than 4,450 professionals at Lockton provide 15,000 clients around the world with risk management, insurance, and employee benefits consulting services that improve their businesses. From its founding in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lockton has attracted entrepreneurial professionals who have driven its growth to become the largest privately held insurance broker in the world and 9th largest overall. Independent researcher Greenwich Associates awarded Lockton its 2011 Service Excellence Award for risk management for large companies. For four consecutive years, Business Insurance has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." To see the latest insights from Lockton's experts, check Lockton Market Update.

SOURCE Lockton