U.S. Department of Labor | ||||||
Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSHA News Release
2004 - 08/13/2004 - OSHA Issues Alert on the Dangers Associated with Cleanup and Recovery from Hurricanes |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
OSHA Trade Release August 13, 2004 OSHA 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 tree trimming, 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. "The hurricane season is now upon us," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw, "and it's important to remember that even when the storm has past, the dangers are not-particularly for workers restoring power lines, cutting down tree limbs, and doing other cleanup and recovery work. This kind of work is 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. Three fact sheets-Cleanup Hazards, Food Cleanup, and Fungi-are available on OSHA's web site at www.osha.gov. A Safety and Health Information Bulletin on mold safety and remediation is also available.
###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755. |
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 |