TUC issues flood safety guide
August 8th 2007 Following a month of heavy rain fall, and with unpredictable weather still forecast, the TUC has issued a guide reminding employers of their legal duty to ensure the health and safety of employees at this time and to offer some practical advice
The TUC stresses it is not in anyone's interests to ask employees to risk their lives or health through the effects of the floods or in the aftermath. Advice includes:
• Don't ask anyone to travel into a a flooded area unless they are part of the emergency services
• Avoid driving thorugh flooded area and never ever drive through flood water as not only is there a chance a vehicle may be swept away but the water is likely to be contaminated with sewage
• Do not attempt to walk or wade through floodwater as not only does the water pose a threat but there may be hidden hazards underneath
• If a building is surrounded by, or threatened by, floodwater then, if there is any possibility of water getting into the premises, including basement areas, gas and electricity in these areas should be turned off
The TUC urges no workers should be expected to work in buildings which are flooded.
Click here to download the full guide, including information on dealing with the aftermath of flooding.
Useful links
Advice from the Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk/flooding
Flood heath advice from NHS Direct
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Environment Agency advice on flooding
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
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