DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE
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NOTE: This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Summary of Potential Hazards to Deepwater Horizon Response Workers
| Potential Hazard | Risk Assessment | Evaluation Criteria | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Disease | Pre-placement physical: BMI*, BP, pulse | Physician's evaluation | For excess risk, assign to light duty, low demands, air conditioned environment |
| Heat Stress | Temperature, humidity, work load | Health surveillance | Training program, acclimatization, monitored hydration, work-rest regimen |
| Traumatic Incident Stress | Mental and emotional health | Physical complaints, thinking problems, changes in behavior, mood, irritability | Maintain adequate nutrition, hydration, rest; work in pairs to look out for buddy |
| Fatigue | Work hours and schedules | Management of hours worked | Shifts < 10 hours; 2 rest days after 3 12-hour shifts or 4 10-hour shifts or 5 8-hour shifts; frequent rest breaks |
| Chemicals | Air sampling, monitoring symptoms | OELs, reported symptoms, irritation | Organic vapor cartridge respirators, protective clothing, protective eyewear |
| Particulate | Air sampling, monitoring symptoms | OELs, visual observation, reported symptoms | P100 air-purifying respirators, protective eyewear |
| Odor | Sense of smell | Workers bothered by odors | Voluntary use of carbon-impregnated P95 filtering facepiece respirator |
* Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; BP = blood pressure; OELs = occupational exposure limits; P95 = NIOSH-approved particulate filtering respirator that is strongly resistant to oil and filters at least 95% of airborne particles; P100 = NIOSH-approved particulate filtering respirator that is strongly resistant to oil and filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles.
- Page last reviewed: June 25, 2010 (archived document)
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Office of the Director