Floods and other natural disasters

This page has important information for employers and workers about what to do before, during and after a natural disaster.

Natural disasters can impact people, destroy homes and damage roads and essential services. Your safety is important – you should always:

  • listen to your local radio station for further warnings and advice
  • keep an eye out for any fallen or dangerous trees or powerlines
  • stay away from electrical signs, streetlights, electrical cables or other conductive material
  • do not touch switchboards if they have been damaged by water
  • do not do your own electrical work – it is illegal and dangerous.

Find information and support services at the NSW Government website.

Staying safe

As an employee, if you are planning to work or travel to work in an area that’s impacted by a natural disaster such as flooding, assess the potential for hazardous conditions and what you can do to mitigate that risk.

As an employer, you must reduce the risk of death, injury and illness to yourself, your workers (including volunteers) and others involved in clean-up and recovery activities.

Find more information about managing hazards and risks.

Asbestos

Asbestos-containing materials may be found during the clean-up of buildings damaged by floods and other natural disasters.

When asbestos containing products are damaged, small fibres may be released into the air. These fibres are harmful if inhaled and may lead to asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.

SafeWork NSW always recommends that a licensed asbestos removalist is used to remove any amount of asbestos. In some cases, emergency services may undertake this role in an emergency situation.

Find more information about safely cleaning and/or removing asbestos-containing materials.

Biological hazards

Workers involved in storm and flood recovery work should maintain good personal hygiene. You should always:

  • wash your hands after contact with mud, flood water and contaminated items and equipment
  • wear enclosed footwear, protective eyewear, gloves, and suitable clothing
  • take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
  • clean and cover cuts and wounds.

Illness caused by carrying out work should be notified to SafeWork NSW.

Chemical hazards

Storms and floods can bury, move, or damage hazardous chemical containers including paints, pesticides, cleaners, and fuels. They come in various forms – powders, solids, liquids and gases. Hazardous chemicals must be handled and disposed of safely by:

  • identifying chemicals and their hazards using labels and markings – seek expert advice if the container cannot be identified
  • avoiding contact with unknown chemicals or chemical containers
  • separating chemicals from general waste
  • wearing personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, chemical resistant gloves, enclosed footwear, and a suitable respirator.

Find more information about hazardous chemicals.

Demolition

Demolition work includes demolishing or dismantling a structure or part of a structure that is either load bearing or related to the physical integrity of the structure. You should always:

A Clearance Inspection and a Clearance Certificate must be issued following asbestos removal work and prior to demolition.

An asbestos assessor or removal licence may be required. Find a SafeWork licensed asbestos removalist or assessor in your area.

Find more information about demolition.

Electrical safety

Electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property. Do not do your own electrical work at any time, under any circumstances, especially during or after a flood or storm. Electrical plant or equipment should not be used when at risk of exposure to water. Find information about other electrical hazards.

Find more information about electrical safety, including how to safely inspect and test electrical equipment.

Fatigue

Fatigue can reduce your ability to work safely and effectively, particularly after the physical and emotional impact of a natural disaster. Employers have a duty to control the risks of fatigue by:

  • rotating shifts
  • providing regular rest breaks
  • providing a space for workers to rest before commuting home
  • providing transport (where possible) to minimise the risks associated with commuting.

Find more information about fatigue.

Hazardous manual tasks

Responding to flood conditions can often involve activities that may expose workers to the risk of a musculoskeletal disorder caused by hazardous manual tasks. In consultation with workers, employers must:

  • identify manual tasks that are hazardous
  • eliminate risks associated with hazardous manual tasks (e.g., handling of heavy sandbags, working in awkward postures)
  • if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risks, minimise the risks by implementing suitable control measures (e.g., use mechanical aids, re-design the task)
  • provide suitable information, training, and supervision to workers.

Find more information about hazardous manual tasks.

Mental health

Natural disasters can take a significant mental and emotional toll on the many people impacted. To minimise the impact of mental health risks and psychological stress on workers, employers should:

  • consult with workers about any changes to their roles and tasks
  • consult with workers when setting work targets and priorities
  • facilitate regular discussions on additional pressures/challenges
  • provide rest areas for workers to take breaks
  • highlight crisis support and assistance available.

Find more information about mental health.

Mould

As flood waters recede, you may find significant mould growth in parts of a building that have been flooded or exposed to high humidity levels.

Before cleaning or removing any mould growth, you should review the information provided by NSW Health.

Find more information about mould at work.

Operating machinery

Operating wheeled or tracked machinery can be dangerous in flood affected areas. You should always:

  • be aware of changed ground conditions which may increase the risk of roll over, bogging or instability
  • identify potential hazards prior to operating any machinery, including decreased vision
  • operate machinery at a safe speed suitable to the conditions
  • do not allow untrained or inexperienced people to operate machinery.

Find more information about operating machinery. You can also find information about quad bike safety.

Working at heights

If you have to work from a height, you must manage the risk of a fall by:

  • working on the ground or on a solid construction
  • using a fall-prevention device
  • using a work-positioning system
  • using a fall-arrest system.

Find more information about working safely at heights.

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