Worker Safety There are many health and safety concerns for inspectors/staff that might be brought into a wildfire area. These issues will vary depending on the type of wildfire and its location (for example, whether it is in a wildland-urban interface area), buildings and houses impacted, whether the wild - fire is completely extinguished, and many other factors. Several states have established or are in the process of approving regulations through their occupational health agencies to tackle the issue of employee exposure to wildfire smoke. Although only a handful of states such as California, Oregon, and Washing - ton have such requirements, others offer guidance and suggestions that employers should take into account. It is important for all employers to stay informed about these regulations and recommen - dations and to develop strategies to manage smoke events. Some of the hazards an inspector may encounter 58 include: • Power shutoffs or interruptions • Utility hazards including live power lines or gas leaks • Smoke, including lingering smoke • Chemicals present and potential exposures • Reignited smoldering debris • Obstacles and pits (especially when unseen) • Infectious diseases carried by responders/public • Trees that burn on the inside and fall unexpectedly • Structural integrity of buildings • Asbestos concerns • Hazardous driving and road conditions • Safety within work areas • Heat related illness • Cold related illness and dangers • Slip, trips, and falls • Animal hazards both from pets and wild animals • Bees, especially Africanized bees • Dehydration • Stress, fatigue, and exhaustion • Debris piles • Infectious diseases such as Covid • High noise levels • Insect concerns such as Africanized beehive disruptions
Recovery Objectives • Ensure all messages and instructions on returning to undamaged, damaged, and destroyed homes are distributed through the public information mechanisms. • If a building is partially damaged and has potential building safety concerns, do not recommend entry without first seeking clearance from building and safety inspectors. • Oversee residents returning home and offer advice and/or recommendations. • Give careful consideration to re-occupancy, especially where utilities, sewage and water may yet be restored. • Consider distribution of nominal personal protective gear to the public returning home to salvage belongings. • Be available to answer questions regarding cleaning or decontamination of private residences. • Environmental public health staff may not want to advise residents to close off their houses at this point. Often opening up the house will assist in evacuating odors and smells. • There may be items that are uncleanable for those returning home. • Review and distribute messaging from indoor air sections to the public. • Ensure messaging is available online and via print and in the primary languages spoken in the community. Immediate Response Objectives • Monitor the wildfire path and direction with particular attention to residential areas. • Once a wildfire goes through an area, residents will want to return to their homes to see if it survived and what can be salvaged. In some situations, the wildfire may not be totally contained and only fire representatives can give approval for residents to return. • It can be emotional for residents to view the damage/destruction of personal homes. Be prepared. • Advising residents is a key activity and public information on returning home should be reviewed, updated, and distributed via all available channels. • Translate all communications into significant languages found within the impacted area.
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