Workers may be at risk of experiencing injuries from fatigue and stress during responses to oil spills, hazardous materials cleanup activity, and other large-scale disaster response and recovery operations. This NRT Factsheet, developed by the NRT Worker Safety and Health Subcommittee in 2024, provides information on fatigue for virtual and hybrid emergency response workers.

The Oil Spill Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Matrix provides recommendations on protective equipment for workers who respond to oil spills. It includes examples of common scenarios for on-shore and off-shore oil spills but does not prescribe PPE for every worker exposure or scenario, nor does it identify all PPE options. The PPE recommendations in this document address general oil spill cleanup and response work, but not all potential risks or all scenarios involved in these activities. This Matrix can be used in conjunction with a comprehensive risk assessment (e.g., job hazard analysis (JHA) or an Incident Action Plan Safety Analysis (Incident Command System ICS-215A)) for oil spill response operations.

The purpose of this document is to encourage readers to explore Psychological Resiliency resources that are available on the internet. The resources listed in this document are provided as examples, meant for informational purposes only, and not a comprehensive list. The NRT nor its member agencies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), etc. do not in any way endorse, promote or recommend these resources. Readers are reminded that the use of the resources do not replace your organization's requirements and does not supersede applicable laws, authorities, regulations, policy or guidance.

The ICS 215A-ORM Form is a resource to help Safety Officers (SOs) and Assistant Safety Officers (ASOs), working with the Operations Section, in completing and communicating an operational risk assessment and prioritize the most significant hazards and controls. SO/ASOs can use the form during initial operational periods when incident command is scoping the incident and response activities and developing a formal safety plan. In addition, SO/ASOs may use the form to gauge the effectiveness of the safety program and/or evaluate a new activity during a response. The ICS 215A-ORM Form differs from similar forms through the use of MS Excel's auto-populate feature to carry information (e.g., assignments, hazards) from page 1 to page 2. The two-page layout provides additional space to capture the hazards and controls across the top of the form.

In response to the continuing need for health monitoring and surveillance for emergency response workers, a consortium of federal agencies, state health departments, and volunteer responder groups was convened by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This set of guidelines and recommendations is the product of those deliberations. It is intended to address all aspects of protecting emergency responders and should be applicable over the full range of emergency types and settings. It is intended to be of use to all those involved in the deployment and protection of emergency responders, including incident management leadership; leadership of response organizations; health, safety, and medical personnel; and the workers themselves. This document was approved by the NRT as a Technical Assistance Document on January 26, 2012 along with the companion document: Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance: A Guide for Key Decision Makers.

For more information please reference the NIOSH ERHMS page (External Link).

Volume I of this Technical Assistance Document (TAD) addresses worker fatigue during large-scale disaster operations, such as those following the Oklahoma City bombing, the 9-11 attacks, anthrax contamination, the Columbia Space Shuttle Recovery, and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Volume I is intended to serve as a hands-on manual to assist organizations with the development of programs and plans to address fatigue issues among disaster workers. The second document, "Volume II: Guidance for Managing Worker Fatigue During Disaster Operations: Background Document," summarizes the essential information compiled and reviewed by the NRT while developing its recommended approach.

Heat

Heat Illness Prevention - The OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention campaign educates employers and workers on heat hazards and provides resources to keep workers safe.

Hurricanes/Severe Weather

Hurricane Preparedness and Response - OSHA's Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricane and Flood Cleanup and Recovery website links safety officers with guidance and tools for workers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts following hurricanes and floods, helping promote safe and healthy work practices during response operations.

Hurricane eMatrix - In the wake of a hurricane, response and recovery workers will face additional challenges, such as downed power lines, downed trees, and high volumes of construction debris, while performing an otherwise familiar task/operation. In this Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment Matrix, OSHA provides information on many of the most common and significant additional hazards that response and recovery workers might encounter when working in an area recently devastated by a hurricane. This Matrix highlights a number of tasks and operations associated with disaster response and recovery. The Matrix is designed to help employers make decisions during their risk assessment that will protect their workers working in hurricane-impacted areas.

Oil-Chemical-Biological-Radiological

Oil Spills Preparedness and Response - Serves as a resource for workers and employers in general, and specifically for emergency response and recovery workers and their employers. It covers safety and health issues related to preparedness for, responses to, and recovery from oil spill emergencies.

Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Response - OSHA has established regulations to safeguard workers from the hazards associated with ionizing radiation. Radiation emergencies may result from spills or releases of radioactive materials, transportation incidents, equipment leaks, medical or research procedures involving radioactive sources, abandoned materials, and radioactive weapons. Effective preparedness and response measures are essential to minimize exposure, protect workers, and ensure safe handling and containment during such incidents.

Broad Spectrum of Topics

Safety Officer Toolbox - This web site, accessible to EPA employees only, is intended to support the Safety Officer (SO) in an Incident Management Team (IMT). It serves as a tool box for SO, Deputy Safety Officers (DSO), and Assistant Safety Officers (ASO). It was developed based on SO positions and issues at a number of different responses to include: Hurricanes Katrina/Rita, Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee, Enbridge Oil Spill, Deepwater Horizon, and Hurricane Sandy. It is constantly being upgraded and expanded as new information, policies and procedures are developed.

Broad Spectrum of Topics

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) - The mission of NIEHS is to research how the environment affects biological systems across the lifespan and to translate this knowledge to reduce disease and promote human health.

Emergency Preparedness and Response (NIOSH) - This page provides resources to protect emergency response and recovery workers from injury, illness, and death. It includes hazard-specific guidance, training materials, and research-based recommendations. The site supports employers and responders in protecting worker safety and health during all phases of emergency operations.

Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (CDC) - Often called “the voice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) series is the agency’s primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations.

Training Resources

Worker Training Program (NIEHS) - The NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) provides occupational health and safety training for workers who face risk of exposure to physical, chemical, radiological, and biological hazards. Workers encounter these hazards when handling or cleaning up hazardous or biological waste; responding to emergency releases of hazardous materials; or responding to natural or manmade disasters.

Oil-Chemical-Biological-Radiological

Emergency Response Safety and Health Database (ERSH-DB) (NIOSH) - The ERSH-DB is a rapidly accessible occupational safety and health database developed by NIOSH for the emergency response community. It provides concise information on chemical, biological, and radiological hazards that may be encountered during response operations. The database supports employers and responders in identifying hazards and selecting appropriate protective measures.

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) (NIOSH) - The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) provides information on workplace chemicals and their hazards. It includes exposure limits, health effects, and recommended protective measures. The NPG supports employers and responders in recognizing and controlling chemical hazards during response operations.

Heat

Heat Stress and Workers (NIOSH) - This page provides information on preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries among workers. It includes guidance on risk factors, signs and symptoms, and practical prevention strategies. The site supports employers and responders in managing heat risks during outdoor and high-temperature operations.

Mental Health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Mobile App (SAMSHA) - In a disaster, it's essential that behavioral health responders have the resources they need—when and where they need them. The free SAMSHA Disaster App offers first responders immediate access for any type of traumatic event at every phase of response, including pre-deployment preparation, on-the-ground assistance and post-deployment resources.

First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal (SAMSHA) - Learn more about signs of stress and stress management including additional resources and online trainings available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). First responders face an increased risk of experiencing some mental health and substance use issues and conditions. Responders can build their resilience by increasing awareness about risk factors and warning signs, talking with each other, and using healthy coping strategies.

Wildland Fire Smoke

Wildland Fire Smoke (NIOSH) - This page provides information on protecting workers from exposure to wildland fire smoke. It includes guidance on health effects, exposure reduction strategies, and protective measures. The site supports employers and responders in managing smoke-related risks during wildfire and outdoor response operations.

Equipment

NIOSH Certified Equipment List (NIOSH-CEL) (NIOSH) - The NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) is a searchable database of NIOSH Approved® respirators and other equipment. It helps employers and responders verify that they are using approved and appropriate respiratory protection.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (NIOSH) - This page provides information about NIOSH research, standards, and approvals related to personal protective equipment (PPE). It supports employers and responders in selecting and using PPE to protect workers from chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards.

Protective Clothing (NIOSH) - This page provides information on protective clothing used to reduce worker exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards. It supports employers and responders in selecting appropriate protective garments based on hazard type and exposure risk.

Respirator Resources (NIOSH) - This page provides a list of NIOSH resources to download or print and use to promote proper respiratory protection practices. It includes information on respirator selection, fit testing, use, and maintenance. The resources support employers and responders in protecting workers from airborne hazards during emergency response operations.

CBRN Respirators (NIOSH) - This page provides information about respirators approved for protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards. It supports employers and responders in selecting appropriate respiratory protection for high-risk and hazardous materials incidents.

Counterfeit Respirators (NIOSH) - This page provides information to help employers and workers identify and avoid counterfeit or misrepresented respirators. It includes guidance on verifying NIOSH approvals and protecting workers from unsafe equipment during emergency operations.

Broad Spectrum of Topics

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Safety and Occupational Health Office - Provides policy, programs, technical services, oversight and outreach related to safety and occupational health matters in support of USACE missions worldwide.

Infectious Diseases

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) - USAMRIID provides leading edge medical capabilities to deter and defend against current and emerging biological threat agents and advances medical biological defense to protect our military and the nation.

USAMRIID Reference Materials, such as Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook or "Blue Book", can be found by clicking on Training, then Resources.

Training

Transportation Safety Institute (DOT) - The mission of the Transportation Safety Institute is to improve the safety of the transportation system through the training of transportation safety professionals across federal, state, local and international governments, as well as private industry.

Equipment

Authorized Equipment List - The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Authorized Equipment List (AEL) is a tool for emergency managers, first responders and homeland security professionals. It contains approved equipment types allowed under FEMA’s preparedness grant programs.