TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Trees down, hazards abound: observations and lessons from Hurricane Sandy JO - American journal of industrial medicine A1 - Ochsner, Michele A1 - Marshall, Elizabeth G. A1 - Lefkowitz, Daniel SP - 361 EP - 371 VL - 61 IS - 5 N2 - 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.

© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0271-3586 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22822 ID - ref1 ER -