Work health and safety for floods and storms

With only one month to go until winter arrives, you can expect construction sites to already be looking a little wetter this May.

During these colder months, rains and storms can sweep through the regions, which may leave employees having to tend to the aftermath.

When getting involved in a clean up and repair effort, it's vital to have a plan in place that takes into account the safety of everyone involved.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has provided some handy tips for planning to do work safely.

Electricity and dangerous materials

If your working area is flooded, it's important to firstly check that an electricity clearance has been given before you attempt to use it.

Assess the area for any materials such as asbestos, or dangerous chemicals which may put workers' safety at risk, before attempting to start clean up in the area.

Safety gear

Equip yourself and fellow workers with the appropriate safety gear, including gloves, rubber-soled shoes, protective goggles/glasses and hats.

Make sure that there is also a well-stocked first aid kit and clean drinking water on site, in the case of an emergency.

Assess the risks

Carefully plan which areas will be attended to first, ensuring that when you address a task, new risks won't be introduced (e.g. - removing things in the wrong order).

Think of what could go wrong during the cleanup or repair to help structure the order in which you tackle the tasks.

Explore your nearest Kennards hire centre to pick up the equipment you need to get the cleanup and repair jobs done.