SafeWork NSW is urging those in flood-affected areas to be alert for hazards as they return to the workplace and begin the cleanup process.
Contaminated water, broken glass and debris, damaged electricity supplies and asbestos are among the risks to health and safety facing those heading back to flooded worksites.
Common hazards include sewage containing harmful bacteria that may have overflowed inside a building, wet, slippery and unstable surfaces, and wild animals including rodents, snakes and spiders.
Workplaces should fully assess the risks involved during the cleanup and ensure any work is properly planned before entering flood-affected sites.
They should also follow all recommendations by emergency services agencies prior to starting the cleanup and ensure workers and volunteers are properly trained and have the appropriate safety equipment such as waterproof footwear, gloves and eye protection.
Workers should also take regular rest breaks to manage fatigue.
Buildings and other structures damaged in a flood can leave health and safety hazards in the structure and debris.
If a flood-damaged building was built before 1990, it is likely to contain asbestos.
To support the cleanup process, SafeWork NSW is waiving the five-day asbestos removal work notification period to allow for the immediate clean-up of asbestos debris from storm-damaged properties.
SafeWork NSW strongly recommends engaging a licenced asbestos removalist to undertake the work to ensure adequate controls are in place to remove asbestos safely and minimise potential exposure.
In emergencies, trained professionals such as emergency services may carry out asbestos removal. However, workers can minimise the risks of being exposed to asbestos by avoiding the following:
- Entering any property until advised it is safe to do so.
- Breaking or disturbing materials containing asbestos.
- Walking on corrugated asbestos roofs as they may collapse.
- Using high-pressure water cleaners on asbestos roofs as this can dislodge and spread fibres, leading to a costly cleanup.
- Using power tools on asbestos materials.
- Disposing of asbestos waste in household bins or with kerbside rubbish.
Visit the SafeWork NSW website for Important information for employers and workers about what to do before, during and after a natural disaster.
