The aftermath of Hurricane Irene continues to plague the East Coast with rain and flooding while efforts are being made to repair the damage that was done. In order to aid these efforts, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has provided information on safety hazards, as well as helpful resources for flood, storm, and hurricane responders.
Severe storm and flood cleanup and repair activities are both necessary and hazardous. There are many potential dangers facing workers who are dispatched to flooded buildings, damaged roads, downed power lines, and other affected areas. Workers entering the hazardous areas may encounter a number of dangers, including:
- Carbon monoxide;
- Downed live electrical/power lines;
- Heat stress;
- Falls;
- Confined spaces;
- Unstable surfaces;
- Motor-vehicles; and
- Fire.
Repairing the damage caused by the hurricane and flooding often requires the work of multiple contractors and subcontractors working at the site of the damage at the same time, especially when the repairs needed must be completed quickly. This scenario may give rise to necessary safety measures being ignored and a failure to provide proper supervision.
At Blume Forte, our experienced on the job injury lawyers in New Jersey laud the efforts of our NJ workers and first responders in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, and are committed to protecting their legal rights.
If you have been injured at your New Jersey job site as the result of negligence on the part of a contractor, subcontractor or other third party, you may be entitled to compensation. To determine whether your potential claim may have merit, contact us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.