With climate-related events happening across Canada and the Atlantic hurricane season nearing its mid-point, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of PEI is reminding employers and workers that the best response to unpredictable weather is proper emergency planning.
“Before experiencing hurricanes Juan and Dorian and post-tropical storm Fiona, Islanders couldn’t have imagined how destructive a storm could be. With forecasts calling for an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, workplace emergency planning is essential,” said Danny Miller, the WCB’s Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “Employers need to make sure that emergency plans to protect workers and worksites are current and have been clearly communicated to workers. This includes monitoring weather forecasts, keeping contact lists updated, having extra supplies available, and securing worksites, among other things. It also means supporting workers before, during, and after disruptive weather events.”
Employers are also encouraged to:
- Follow instructions from public safety officials.
- Give workers adequate time to secure the worksite.
- Put away tools, securing supplies and hazardous materials, move vehicles and mobile equipment to safe locations.
- Remove overhead hazards.
- Make sure generators are only used outdoors and at 6m or 20ft from buildings.
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order.
- Make efforts to divert water away from buildings and equipment.
The WCB has an easily accessible resource to support employers and workers to prepare for unpredictable weather events, the “Hurricane Season Safety Tips” prevention update available on the WCB website wcb.pe.ca. This downloadable publication includes tips on how to protect workers, how to protect worksites and a list of practical items to have on hand. The PEI provincial government also has a comprehensive resource available called “How to be prepared for an emergency” to help prepare for a range of emergencies.