OSHA Resources for Tornado Victims

Written By: Atanu Das on Monday, December 13, 2021

On this page OSHA reminds workers about general guidelines and hazards while assessing damage and recovery efforts in the workplace.

Here are their recommendations:

Potential Hazards

Response and recovery work in tornado-impacted areas presents safety and health hazards that should be properly identified, evaluated, and controlled in a systematic manner to reduce or eliminate occupational safety and health risks to response and recovery workers. Some of the specific hazards associated with working in the aftermath of tornadoes include:

• Hazardous driving conditions due to slippery and/or blocked roadways
• Slips and falls due to slippery walkways
• Falling and flying objects such as tree limbs and utility poles
• Sharp objects including nails and broken glass
• Electrical hazards from downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
• Falls from heights
• Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure
• Exhaustion from working extended shifts
• Heat and Dehydration.

General Precautions

• Continue to monitor your local radio or television stations for emergency information and the potential of additional storms. Be aware of possible structural, electrical, or gas-leak hazards.
• If such hazards are identified, report them to the proper local authorities and/or utility.
• Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed power lines.
• Wear proper clothing when walking on or near debris, including boots and gloves.
• Be careful around sharp objects, including nails and broken glass.
• Use the proper safety precautions when operating generators, chainsaws, or other power tools.
• Take steps to prevent heat illnesses and dehydration.

See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for additional precautions to take after a tornado.