Webinar to Focus on Hazards Faced by Recovery Workers Following Urban Flooding

An upcoming webinar hosted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Training Program will focus on urban flooding and the health risks to recovery workers, including residents. According to NIEHS, presenters will explain how climate change and urbanization increase the chances of flooding in urban areas and discuss the hazards of working in urban settings during post-flood recovery. The webinar, which will be held at 2 p.m. ET on Nov. 14, will also cover training for workers participating in recovery activities and how urban flooding exacerbates social, economic, health, and environmental disparities. Scheduled speakers include Nick Cagliuso and Kevin Yeskey of the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training, David Chawaga of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Nova Southeastern University’s Stephen Grant, and Lisa Orloff of World Cares Center. Simultaneous interpretation from English to Spanish will be available during the webinar.

Individuals interested in attending the NIEHS event can register via Zoom. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit the website of the NIEHS Worker Training Program.

Related: Synergist articles published in recent years have focused on the topic of emergency response. For example, an article published in January discussed the importance of understanding the capabilities of emergency services, and an article published in April 2021 provides a primer on the National Incident Management and Incident Command Systems. And in February 2020, AIHA member Jack Geissert wrote a piece on an organization working to improve the health and safety of individuals who perform volunteer work for nonprofits.