|
U.S. Department of Labor | |
||||
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
 |
|
OSHA News Release
2005 - 07/08/2005 - OSHA Issues Alert on the Dangers Associated with Cleanup and Recovery from Hurricanes |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
|
National Release July 8, 2005 Contact: Frank Meilinger Phone: (202) 693-1999 OSHA Issues Alert on the Dangers Associated with Cleanup and Recovery from Hurricanes
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today urged employers and workers to take appropriate safety measures to avoid injury and illnesses associated with the recovery and cleanup efforts following hurricanes. The potential for fatal accidents involving electrocution from power lines, as well as serious injuries associated with cleanup and recovery efforts, have prompted the agency to remind employers, workers and the public to ensure that they observe appropriate safety and health precautions while performing cleanup and utility restoration operations. This includes coordinating with control centers responsible for power circuits so that workers do not enter areas where there are live wires. "Now that the hurricane season is upon us it's important to remember that even after a storm is over, the dangers are not-particularly for workers restoring power lines, cutting down tree limbs, and doing other cleanup and recovery work," said Jonathan L. Snare, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. "This type of work can be very hazardous and accidents can cost lives." Information on avoiding hazards and safely cleaning up after a hurricane is available from OSHA to help workers who are involved in recovery and restoration efforts. Fact sheets on issues and hazards relating to recovery and cleanup efforts following hurricanes are available on the agency's Natural Disaster Recovery page. Visitors can click on topics for more detailed information, including the following hazards:
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
This news release text is on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999. |
|
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
 Back to Top |
www.osha.gov | www.dol.gov |
Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers |
||
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 |
||
