Minimizing Safety and Health Impacts at Disaster Sites: the Need for Comprehensive Worker Safety and Health Training Based on an Analysis of National Disasters in the U.S.

Health Risks in Disaster Responders: A Conceptual Framework

“…10 Some cases of fractures resulting in death were reported as a result of activities involving demolition and debris removal. 11 Altitude sickness, heat stress, and infectious diseases emerged as location-specific risks. 12 Reported short-term injuries and conditions, defined as those lasting beyond the rescue stage, included water-borne and zoonotic diseases such as gastrointestinal infections.…”

“…8 Allowing responders time to prepare and ready themselves is crucial for them to learn of possible risks and develop emotional resilience. 27,38 Several studies investigated the effect of long working hours for prolonged periods found this was significantly associated with mental stress in clean-up workers, 11 defense personnel, 20 and medical professionals and health care volunteers. 37,39,40 Sleep deprivation and improper eating schedule and diet were also found to have an adverse effect on responders' health.…”

“…41 For instance, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, immigrant non-English speaking laborers hired were economically vulnerable and less informed about safety and protective means to hazardous sites and experienced high-rates of injuries and delays in medical treatment. 11 Disaster situations are often complicated for nations struggling with internal conflicts and political instability. The lack of access to sufficient protective means and appropriate awareness and education about their use can be critical safety barriers for nations with weak socio-economic standing.…”

“…47 Similarly, Pearson and Weinstock highlighted the importance of training on conflict resolution, media handling, cross-cultural adaptability, and tolerance considering the congregation of multiple locals and nationals at chaotic environment. 11 For the humanitarian aid workers to be deployed at high altitude disaster sites, acclimatization and appropriate therapies should be made available to prevent severe to life-threatening risks. 48 The authors also put forward the necessity of increasing the number of mental health professionals through education and other strategic action of encouragement.…”

“…6 Post-deployment follow-up and health monitoring of workers aids in assessing the level of difficulty of the deployed operation, and deficiencies and inadequacies related to training and support. 11,58 Garbern, Ebbeling, and Bartels suggest utilizing tools such as the significant event/acute exposure tracking tool, as used in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, to identify adverse exposures experienced by the responders and their respective effect on health. 6 The necessity of comparative studies between baseline surveys and post-mission to assess accurate health outcomes was suggested by Haraldsdotir et al 33 Also discussed in the literature was the role of spontaneous volunteers often being overlooked.…”