FACTS
- High-Wind Accidents: Gusts of wind can cause objects to become airborne, leading to injuries or accidents.
- Cold Water Immersion: Prolonged exposure to cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia, reducing an individual’s ability to think clearly and increasing the risk of drowning or other accidents.
- Visibility Challenges: Limited visibility makes it difficult for workers to identify hazards, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to emergencies.
- Water Contamination: Runoff from urban areas, agricultural fields, or industrial sites carry pollutants.
- Vessel Collisions: Workers operating boats or working on or near vessels may be at higher risk of accidents.
- Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: Wet and slippery surfaces increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
- Limited Access to Emergency Assistance: High winds, rough waters, or limited visibility can make it challenging for rescue teams to reach individuals quickly, prolonging the time it takes to receive help.
- Rip Currents: Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shoreline.
- Wave Hazards: High waves can sweep workers off their feet, knock them over, or submerge them underwater.
- Waterborne Diseases: Workers exposed to contaminated water may face an increased risk of contracting waterborne diseases, such as gastrointestinal illnesses or infections.
- Psychological Stress: The fear of potential dangers, the pressure to complete tasks quickly, and the uncertainty of weather conditions can have a significant impact on workers’ mental well-being and performance.
- Effects on Equipment: Excessive rain, high winds, or exposure to saltwater can damage or corrode equipment.
- Unpredictable Weather Patterns: Sudden changes in wind direction, storm intensification, or the formation of waterspouts can catch workers off guard, increasing the risks of accidents and injuries.
STATS
- According to (WHO), drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide. Hazardous weather conditions, such as storms or floods, can significantly contribute to drowning incidents.
- (OSHA) reported that there were approximately 3,866 fatal work injuries involving water transportation incidents in the United States.
- (BLS) reports in 2019, there were 98 fatal work injuries involving water transportation incidents, accounting for 4.1% of all occupational fatalities that year.
- Lightning poses a significant risk during hazardous weather conditions. The National Weather Service reported that an average of 27 people died from lightning strikes each year in the United States.
- Flooding caused by hazardous weather can lead to injuries and fatalities. According to the National Weather Service, flooding accounted for an average of 87 fatalities per year in the United States.