Region 8 News Release:   OSHA1.30
October 30, 2001
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302

Colorado OSHA Employees Assist in the World Trade Center Response

DENVER -- Safety and health professionals from the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offices in Colorado are serving in New York City at the World Trade Center recovery effort.

"The aftermath of the attack on America has brought out the best in Americans and the best in OSHA," said OSHA Assistant Secretary John Henshaw. "In this effort, our people are using their skills to protect the safety and health of the recovery workers.

Since the September 11 terrorist attack, OSHA has been working with federal, state and local government agencies to minimize the risks of injury and death to the thousands of workers in lower Manhattan.

A group of 17 industrial hygienists and safety specialists from the Denver and Englewood area offices along with the Denver regional office are part of a contingent of 26 OSHA employees from the Rocky Mountain Region who are or will be providing on-site assistance.

Approximately 400 OSHA personnel -- of which more than 200 are from the New York region alone -- are directly involved in the effort.

As part of OSHA's role of consultation and assistance, the agency is conducting air monitoring to characterize possible air contaminant exposures; distributing and fit-checking respirators and other personal protective equipment; and assisting New York City agencies in safety monitoring to address the physical safety of construction and rescue personnel on-site.

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