On July 9th, 2023, Vermont began seeing historic levels of rainfall. With catastrophic flooding in the Northeast and under a State of Emergency, Vermont saw up to 9 inches of rain. Rivers overflowed, flooded entire communities, and washed-out numerous roads and bridges throughout the state. The Capitol of Vermont was under water. Water reached a depth of 12 feet in some residences and businesses, and multiple state office buildings had to be closed.

The Vermont 21(d) Consultation Program - Project WorkSAFE immediately jumped in to help, staffing many of the 10 emergency operations resource centers that opened across the state in the wake of the historic flooding. Project WorkSAFE consultants were on hand at the State Emergency Operations Center to help track and manage safety and health issues at recovery sites. The program was also tasked with serving as a Safety Officer at the Health Operations Center (HOC) run by the Vermont Department of Health. In this role Project WorkSAFE coordinated mental health and stress management trainings from third parties, updated staff regarding hazardous weather and poor air quality, and arranged for ergonomic assessments of the staff tasked with assembling water quality test kits. While at the HOC, Project WorkSAFE staff also created a health and safety plan related to the poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires, as well as an excessive heat plan for other responders.

While at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsored Disaster Recovery Centers and State-sponsored Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), Project WorkSAFE staff discussed safety precautions while cleaning flood damaged properties and businesses. Staff discussed precautions to take while using certain cleaning chemicals, indoor air quality issues, unseen water hazards, electrical precautions, and assisted visitors of the centers with securing proper personal protective equipment.

As events such as extreme heat, poor air quality due to wildfires, or flooding following torrential downpours may become more common, Project WorkSAFE will respond by providing health and safety guidance for those who must work following these disasters.

The OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.