Driving/transportation hazards
- Suspend nonessential travel in areas with active flood warnings
- Re-route staff travel using real time road closure updates
- Reinforce a “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” rule with employees
- Require employees to report impassable or unsafe roads immediately
- Provide reminders to reduce speed, increase follow distances, and avoid standing water
Exposure to contaminated floodwater
- Electrical hazards
- Remind staff to never approach a downed line and assume all lines are energized
- Stop working immediately if water is near electrical panels, pumps, or equipment
- Require lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before entering affected pump stations, vaults, or mechanical rooms
- Partner with local utilities for rapid response when electrical hazards are identified
Slips/trips/falls
- Pause work if ground stability is compromised
- Require slip-resistant boots during flood operations
- Use spotters where possible when navigating uncertain terrain
- Mark or cordon off unstable areas using cones, tape, or signage
- Keep paths clear of debris and ensure workers have adequate lighting
Ground instability/trenching and confined space
- Suspend non-essential trenching or excavation until soil conditions stabilize
- Require confined space testing prior to entry - including oxygen, combustible gas, and toxic gases
- Reassess shoring or shielding due to increase likelihood of collapse
- Require review of rescue plans for any entry
- Remind employees to leave immediately if they observe shifting soil, cracking, or pooling water
Physical and metal fatigue during emergency response
- Set realistic shift lengths and mandate rest periods
- Rotate high-demand or emotionally draining tasks
- Encourage and support supervisors as they check in with teams
- Communicate that it is acceptable to stop work when impaired by fatigue
- Promote EAP resources and offer flexibility where possible
Communication gaps during fast changing conditions
- Provide predictable, consistent updates via text, email, or internal alerts
- Establish single source for operational updates
- Have supervisors repeat key safety expectations before and during shifts
- Encourage two-way reporting: employees should feel safe and comfortable reporting hazards