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 US

Skilled support personnel responding to national disasters are at great risk to develop physical and mental health problems that can cause short- and long-term disability and prove to be fatal. Health issues endured by these workers can be attributed to a lack of pre-deployment training. Costs accrued for health care from hazardous exposures in disaster zones continues to increase as symptoms manifest years after the event. Illnesses could be prevented if workers received comprehensive training prior to deployment at the site. Pre-deployment occupational safety and health training is critical to protect the well-being of disaster site workers.