Wildfire smoke

Wildfires have become a major concern for much of the country in recent years. Once ignited, a combination of dry conditions, high winds, and challenging terrain means these fires may get out of control very quickly and burn hundreds of thousands of acres of land. The resulting smoke that fills the air presents a health risk to outdoor workers from the accompanying chemicals, gases, and soot.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can occur with little or no warning. They bring intense and often destructive winds. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains, the Midwest, and the Southeast, they have been reported in all 50 states. OSHA doesn’t have a standard for tornadoes or require a severe weather shelter. Instead, they provide preparedness guidance, which includes:

• Knowing the difference between a tornado watch (i.e., tornado activity is possible in your area) and tornado warning (i.e., a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, take shelter immediately);
• Developing emergency procedures as part of a facility emergency action plan (EAP) ;
• Identifying shelter locations such as a basement, interior room, or hallway on the lowest floor possible, away from windows, doors, and outside walls;
• Establishing an alarm system to warn workers;
• Accounting for workers, visitors, and customers as they arrive in the shelter;
• Equipping shelter locations with emergency supplies;
• Training workers to know what to do in case of an emergency;
• Practicing shelter-in-place plans on a regular basis; and
• Updating plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are capable of causing severe damage to businesses and communities near the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Southwestern United States. Similar to tornadoes, OSHA doesn’t have a specific standard for hurricanes, but rather provides preparedness guidance, including:

• Being familiar with the warning terms used for hurricanes, including hurricane watch (i.e., a hurricane is possible) and hurricane warning (i.e., a hurricane is expected within 24 hours);
• Having an evacuation plan as part of a facility EAP;
• Equipping shelter locations with emergency supplies (if unable to evacuate);
• Training workers to know what to do in case of an emergency;
• Practicing evacuation plans on a regular basis; and
• Updating plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.

Key to remember

During the summer months, employers should be aware of the various weather-related hazards that may impact their employees and proactively develop the appropriate safety protocols.