Safety Tips for Workers Preparing For Hurricane Sandy

We urge everyone in the path of Hurricane Sandy to make safety their number one priority.

The NJ Office of Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center are closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy (“frankenstorm”) as it has the potential to become an historic storm as it moves up the Eastern seaboard and will merge  and embed with a developing
classic Northeastern rain and wind storm. Over 50 Million people will be impacted. A State of Emergency has now been declared in NJ, NY and MD.
 
A wide spread power loss has been predicted. NJ  has issued an immediate warning concerning power generator safety and back-feeding of electric current through the use of generators. At a press conference Governor Christie warned the residents of NJ to be cautious  and observe safety measures. He said “If it looks stupid, the it is stupid,” and don’t do it. Additionally, a High Wind Warnings have been issuedfor Northeastern NJ, NY and CT.
 
While the State will be settling down to another historic first on Saturday, when undefeated Rutgers plays Kent State in Piscataway, NJ, the preparations will go forward to adequately prepare for the weather related storm, Sandy.
 
Mayor Bloomberg held a press conference late Friday afternoon explaining what precautions the government was taking and what safety measures needed to be followed to protect life and property. He said, “….whenever we’re faced with a tough situation, history shows New Yorkers always show courage, compassion, and presence of mind. We did that 14 months ago, during Hurricane Irene, and I’m completely confident we will do that again now.”
 
Home Depot stores in NJ have run out of batteris (C-D cells) and local food store are experiencing a run on bread, water and canner goods as the preparation pace continues.

Workers’ Compensation insurance provides benefits if an employee is injured because of because of a hurricane. Preparing for a hurricane is important, and that should include reporting work related injuries to your employer and/or insurance company.

While NIOSH has alerted all of us to the dangers of a hurricane, “….Storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls.”

Should a worker suffer any injuries then they should seek medical care at once, and report the incident to their employer. Prepare ahead and take your employer’s contact information and workers’ compensation insurance information with you so you are prepared to provide to authorities and your employer the facts to process your claim without delay.

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