Hazards to Workers

Oil spill cleanup potentially poses a variety of these hazards to workers:

• Chemical: exposure to crude oil, cleaning agents (such as dispersants, detergents, degreaser), and other required spill clean up chemicals.
• Biological: exposure to snakes, alligators, biting insects, bacteria and other hazards in the work environment.
• Physical: exposure to work environment temperatures (heat stress), electricity (powered equipment, work lights), rotating equipment, noisy equipment, slippery work surfaces (such as rocks), vehicles (cars, trucks, boats), and other similar hazards.
• Ergonomic: such as exposure to repetitive motions, bending, heavy lifting, and working in cramped positions or tight spaces.

Additionally, oil spill cleanup workers can experience emotional and mental stresses caused by reasons such as:

• long shifts
• strenuous tasks
• distressing sights (such as environmental destruction, and sick or dead wildlife)
• changes in schedules and habits
• not eating properly or staying hydrated
• new and challenging situations
• team members and co-workers
• media attention
• pressure to achieve results quickly
• inadequate training

This can lead to fatigue (physical, emotional, and mental) and feelings of depression, anxiety, ineffectiveness, anger, giddiness, and being overwhelmed, as well as other similar reactions.

To learn more about Oil Spill Cleanup visit our Oil Spill Cleanup Hazards Online Training web page.