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WorkSafeBC advisory: Plan ahead for flood response
Campaign Resources
Richmond, B.C., May 18, 2007 — WorkSafeBC reminds employers that there are workplace dangers associated with a potential flood. Workers face risk of injury from power sources, gas lines and propane tanks, cold water immersion, improper sandbagging techniques, and from water-borne pollution and other contaminants.
The B.C. Ministry of Environment is warning that unusually high snow pack levels pose a risk of flooding during spring run-off in May and June. Heavy rains or warm weather could cause the snow pack to melt more quickly, increasing the potential risk and severity of flooding.
With a potential flood threatening many low-lying communities across the province, WorkSafeBC reminds employers of their responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
Here are some WorkSafeBC tips for flood preparation and response:
- Determine whether your workplace is located in an area susceptible to a flood.
- Be careful around deep water. It can be difficult to gauge water depth and levels can change quickly.
- Water and electricity can be a lethal combination. If you are at risk of flooding, locate your electrical main power switch and shut it off if it is safe to do so.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy equipment during a flood. Floods may wash out roads and make soil unstable creating the potential for serious injury.
- Follow the proper procedures for sandbagging, including lifting, bending and shoveling.
- Familiarize yourself with the risks associated with cold water immersion.
- During flood preparation, ensure garbage, chemicals, and other potential pollutants are securely contained and moved to higher ground.
- Follow the instructions of officials involved in rescue or flood response operations.
“There may or may not be flooding in low-lying areas this spring. No one can control the floodwater situation, but employers can be proactive by making themselves aware of the risks and taking preparedness measures to ensure that workers and workplaces are protected,” said Raymond Roch, WorkSafeBC Regional Director for the Lower Mainland.
For more information about how to protect the health and safety of workers in the event of a flood, visit WorkSafeBC.com.
WorkSafeBC is an independent provincial statutory agency governed by a Board of Directors that serves nearly two million workers and about 188,000 employers. WorkSafeBC was born out of a compromise between B.C.'s workers and employers in 1917 where workers gave up the right to sue their employers and fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. The organization is committed to safe and healthy workplaces and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits.|
For more information please contact: |
| Donna Freeman
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