Disaster Preparedness

10 tips for safe snow removal

As the weather gets colder, many of us will soon find our workplaces and jobsites covered in snow. Removal becomes important for preventing structural collapses or for construction crews repairing roofs or decks. Serious injuries and even death can...Read Full Article

QUIZ: How prepared is your workplace for a hurricane?

Storms like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy have raised awareness of the importance of preparing for potential disasters. Below is a quiz that will test your organization’s hurricane preparedness. Please note that this quiz is intended solely to...Read Full Article

Safeguard workers against staph infections

A staph infection is caused by staph bacteria, commonly carried on the skin. These infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics, but some staph infections may be more difficult to resolve because they are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA, or...Read Full Article

Understanding flood warnings

Major floods can cause serious damage, injuries, and death, so when flooding is possible, the National Weather Service issues watches, warnings, and advisories to alert the public. To respond appropriately, workplaces need to understand what these...Read Full Article

What to do if threatened by anthrax

After the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks in 2001, terrorism has become a more serious concern in the United States. One way that terrorists have targeted workplaces is by using the disease anthrax as a weapon. In 2001, terrorists...Read Full Article

6 ways to prepare for an earthquake

Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stresses that facilities should have a plan in place in case an earthquake strikes, even if that workplace is located in a region where earthquakes occur less...Read Full Article

Portable fire extinguisher basics

Fires can be dangerous and costly, and a portable fire extinguisher can be an effective tool to help control or put out early-stage fires. Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they will extinguish and include: • Class A:...Read Full Article

Prepare for tornado season

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) stresses that tornado preparedness for businesses requires a plan that includes a continuous process of gathering equipment and supplies, training workers, and practicing emergency...Read Full Article

Re-open quickly after a disaster

A business needs to be able to react immediately and confidently after a disaster, so it can quickly re-open and minimize loss. Below are plans the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends developing to ensure workplaces are ready when...Read Full Article

Identifying earthquake hazards and vulnerabilities

Reduce damage, loss, and disruption to a business by taking the appropriate steps before an earthquake occurs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends identifying workplace hazard levels and vulnerabilities. Once this is...Read Full Article

Understanding health and safety protocol for flooded areas

Floods can occur both indoors and outdoors and pose a number of health risks. Overworked sanitation systems can reduce an area's water purification capabilities, mold and mildew can increase exponentially, dangerous chemicals are easily spread when...Read Full Article

Winter driving is a significant hazard for workers

Winter weather is largely to blame for the increased threat of highway and road accidents during the colder months. Workers can be injured during trips to and from a worksite or while carrying out other tasks, so employers should stress the...Read Full Article

Knowing when to prepare a workplace for terrorist attacks

Terrorist events on U.S. soil and ongoing threats emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness in the workplace. Certain companies and worksites are more susceptible to violence from extremists than others and should take the necessary...Read Full Article

Protect workers during winter storms

Utilities, law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical response, military, highway, and the sanitation industry may require outdoor work during a snow storm. Help reduce injuries by training workers about the risks of working in storms, and the...Read Full Article

EPA’s Top Tips for Breathing Easier in Hot, Smoky Conditions

According to doctors and researchers, the biggest health threat posed by breathing smoke is from the fine particles, which can lodge deep in the lungs, making it difficult or impossible for the lungs to expel them naturally over time. These...Read Full Article

Fire Prevention Month

Fires are scary, dangerous, and costly. Preventing injuries and destruction that result from worksite fires must be a priority for all workers and employers. Having a fire prevention policy in place, along with choosing the right equipment to...Read Full Article

Hurricane Season Preparation Guidelines in Multiple Languages

The unpredictable Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. It’s important for people who live in susceptible regions to develop an emergency plan for the events before, during, and after a hurricane.Where do you find the guidance you need in...Read Full Article

Prepare Your Business with a Disaster Response Plan

With hurricane season here, it’s important that companies are prepared. These storms can cause heavy winds and flooding that impact both the businesses’ infrastructure as well as workers trying to get to work. In the event of a...Read Full Article

Hurricane Preparedness

The peak of Atlantic Hurricane Season is August to October. Damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and power outages may occur. What can you do to prepare? Know your hurricane risk: even if you don’t live in a coastal state, rain and wind could...Read Full Article

Forest Fire Prevention

Forests are a national treasure. They provide homes to wildlife, trails for hikers to explore, along with oxygen for us to breathe. When a forest fire occurs, people, businesses, animals, and residences are in danger along with acres of trees....Read Full Article

National Preparedness Month

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and ready.gov want you to think ahead and plan for floods, wildfires, blizzards, hurricanes, ice storms, and tornadoes.National Preparedness Month is celebrated each September, offering guidance and...Read Full Article

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