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Safety hazards during cleanup after California wildfire disasters

Diefer Law Group

San Diego Wildfire Cleanup RiskWildland firefighters put their lives on the line during the California wildfire season from October through December each year. However, the safety hazards do not end there. A never-ending list of life-threatening hazards exists for the workers involved in the cleanup procedures in the fires’ aftermath. The risks of new fires or smoldering remains of extinguished fires are only two of the potential safety risks they face.

The safety standards prescribed by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health make employers responsible for providing workers with safety training to help them mitigate all the potential hazards. For example, re-ignition of smoldering wood and debris could occur when oxygen or anything flammable is present.

Other hazards include the following:

  • Confined spaces: The presence of toxic gasses and insufficient oxygen cause potential explosive conditions.
  • Carbon Monoxide: Using pumps, pressure washers and generators that are gasoline- or diesel-fueled in unventilated areas could be deadly.
  • Respiratory dangers: Exposure to broken-down, burned material along with ash, soot and toxic fumes could irritate airways and affect breathing.
  • Hazardous materials: Tanks, drums, pipes, equipment and various containers could contain dangerous materials like pesticides and propane.
  • Unstable structures: When walkways, sidewalks, parking lots and roads are fire-damaged, hidden structural damage might be present.
  • Electrical hazards: Power could unexpectedly return after a fire-related outage, and unintentional contact could cause electrical shocks or even electrocution.

 

Additional risks include musculoskeletal injuries from lifting heavy objects, heat exhaustion, and fatigue and physical exhaustion.

California workers involved in the cleanup operations in the aftermath of wildland fires are typically eligible for financial relief made available by the California workers’ compensation insurance system. Benefits include medical expenses and a portion of lost wages; however, those whose injuries caused permanent disabilities might receive additional benefits.

Abel Fernandez

Abel Fernandez

Attorney Abel Fernandez believes in the aggressive representation of injured workers. Workers’ compensation law is a very difficult and frustrating area of the law. Employees routinely have medical treatment and benefits delayed or denied by insurance companies. Mr. Fernandez fights for the rights of the injured worker to get medical treatment and the maximum amount of benefits possible. We have experience fighting the insurance company and adjusters, and we are committed to obtaining the best outcome possible for our clients.


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Los Angeles, CA 90071

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Riverside CA, 92506

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Diefer Law Group, P.C.

Irvine

2030 Main Street
Suite 1356
Irvine, CA 92614

(949) 799-1860

San Diego

12636 High Bluff Drive
Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92130

(619) 728-3990

Los Angeles

355 South Grand Avenue
Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071

(213) 973-6142

Riverside

6670 Alessandro Blvd
Suite H,
Riverside CA, 92506

(951) 470-1862

Dana Point

34204 Pacific Coast
Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629

(949) 799-1534

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By contacting Diefer Law Group, you agree to receive emails, text messages, and phone calls regarding your legal inquiry, which may be considered advertising material. Emails, text messages, and phone calls may be automatically generated using the information from this contact form to better coordinate communication. You understand that your consent to this is not necessary to obtain legal services from Diefer Law Group. Messaging and data rates may apply.