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Trees down, hazards abound: Observations and lessons from Hurricane Sandy
Author(s) -
Ochsner Michele,
Marshall Elizabeth G.,
Lefkowitz Daniel
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22822
Subject(s) - preparedness , storm , physical hazard , occupational safety and health , medicine , workforce , storm surge , climate change , environmental health , hazard , environmental planning , environmental resource management , environmental science , meteorology , geography , ecology , pathology , political science , economic growth , law , economics , biology
Background Given predictions that climate change will lead to an increase in severe storms, it is important to more fully understand the risks experienced by workers charged with the cleanup and removal of storm damaged trees. These hazards have received little attention in the occupational safety and health literature. Methods This paper is based on semi‐structured interviews with 23 stakeholders involved in the Hurricane Sandy cleanup effort. Results Interview participants identified at risk sectors, gaps in training and preparedness, and raised particular concerns about storm downed trees, electrical hazards, and fatigue and suggested steps to reduce these hazards. Conclusions Stakeholders’ observations about storm response suggest directions for improving the health and safety of this critical workforce.