SAFETY INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS ABOUT DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Severe drought conditions can impact Texas workplaces in many ways. The availability of water may affect an employers’ ability to perform normal business functions and processes or provide drinking water for employees who are working in extreme heat. Drought conditions can also limit the ability of emergency personnel to fight wildfires and structure fires in or around places of business. In addition, wildlife converging on worksites in search of water could expose employees to unexpected hazards such as animal and insect bites and attacks.
To address unusual circumstances associated with drought conditions, employers should:
- Evaluate personal protective equipment and hydration needs for employees who are exposed to heat and wildlife;
- Insure you have an effective fire prevention plan that takes into account unusually dry, hot and windy conditions;
- Contact your local emergency personnel/fire department for guidance;
- Ensure your emergency action plan is updated and that all employees are aware of the contents of the plan; and
- Monitor local surface water and public water system conditions.
TDI-DWC Resources:
-
Emergency Action Plan Sample OSHA Written Program
- Fire Safety Workplace Program (English)
- Fire Safety Workplace Program (Spanish)
- Fire Prevention Plan Sample OSHA Written Program
- Fire Prevention for Small Businesses (English)
- Fire Prevention for Small Businesses (Spanish)
- Fire Safety: Flammable Liquids Take 5 for Safety (English)
- Fire Safety: Flammable Liquids Take 5 for Safety (Spanish)
- Heat-Related Injuries and Illnesses Prevention (English)
- Heat-Related Injuries and Illnesses Prevention (Spanish)
- Heat Stress Safety Training Program (English)
- Heat Stress Safety Training Program (Spanish)
Free Audiovisual Loans (related safety training audiovisual materials can be found under "Fire Safety", "Emergency Preparedness & Response", and "Heat Stress")
Other Resources:
- Agricultural Drought Task Force
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Emergency Preparedness and Response to Wildfires
- CDC - When Every Drop Counts
- National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) - U.S. Drought Portal
- National Weather Service - U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Wildfires
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Forest Service Wildfire Prevention
- Texas Forest Service Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal
- Texas Parks and Wildlife - List of Texas River Authorities
- Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office
- Texas Water Development Board
- U.S. Fire Administration - Wildfire - Are You Prepared?
For more information contact:
Last updated: 01/02/2013
