Storms and floods pose a significant threat, necessitating employers and workers to prepare for potential natural disasters. WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the importance of health and safety measures before, during, and after such events. The focus is on mitigating risks to reduce harm and injury during clean-up and recovery efforts.
WorkCover Queensland underscores the adherence to health and safety laws during storm and flood recovery, highlighting the responsibility of both employers and workers. The aim is to protect all individuals involved in the clean-up and repair processes from the risks associated with these challenging situations.
Addressing electrical safety during storms, WorkCover Queensland provides comprehensive guidelines covering property preparation, post-event clean-up, property or connection damage, solar PV safety, and electrical appliances. This includes steps for safely planning work, such as obtaining electricity clearance, identifying asbestos or dangerous chemicals, assessing the work required, and ensuring appropriate tools and equipment.
In managing volunteers for flood cleanup, WorkCover Queensland emphasizes that persons conducting a business or undertaking, including local councils and employers, must adhere to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Volunteers, considered as those working without wages, should be treated with the same health and safety considerations as paid workers.
Risk management becomes paramount for coordinating cleanup activities, with a focus on hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control, and continuous review of control measures. WorkCover Queensland advises providing necessary information, training, supervision, and equipment to workers or volunteers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts.
Volunteers are urged to undergo safety induction, covering personal safety, teamwork, hazard awareness, health and safety procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency protocols. Designated team leaders with health and safety expertise should oversee volunteer management.
WorkCover Queensland stresses the importance of personal protective equipment for volunteers working in flooded areas, along with providing adequate first aid provisions. Special attention is given to working at heights, demolition procedures, and the safe handling of asbestos-containing materials.
Regarding chemical hazards, guidelines include operating generators outdoors, checking flood-affected equipment, and proper decontamination practices. The document offers advice on handling hazardous chemicals, addressing issues such as identifying, isolating, and safely disposing of them.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls is highlighted through recommendations like keeping work areas clear, wearing appropriate footwear, and using equipment when necessary. Biological hazards are addressed with advice on maintaining hygiene, covering wounds, and avoiding mosquito bites.
To combat fatigue, WorkCover Queensland suggests strategic rostering, limiting consecutive night shifts, providing rest breaks, and ensuring workers have opportunities for sufficient sleep. Psychological stress prevention involves promoting counseling services, consulting workers on work targets, and recognizing their efforts.
Manual tasks are advised to incorporate mechanical aids, proper rest breaks, and team lifting when necessary. Additional safety measures include caution when handling displaced fauna, guidelines for quad bike use, and proper disposal of animal carcasses.
When operating wheeled or tracked machinery in wet conditions, WorkCover Queensland emphasizes awareness of changed ground conditions, decreased visibility, and potential unstable waterways. The overarching goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of workers, volunteers, and all individuals involved in storm and flood recovery efforts.