News Release

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OSHA News Release: [09/05/2008]
Contact Name: Sharon Worth and David Sims
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x3-1898
Release Number: 08-1275-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA releases public service announcements promoting safe cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Gustav

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released several public service announcements to help protect employees from hazards such as electrocution and falls from heights during hurricane cleanup and recovery operations.

"In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, and with more hurricanes forming in the Atlantic, OSHA is ensuring that we reach as many people as possible with the information they need to stay safe while they help repair the damage done by this and future storms," said Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "We want everyone to keep in mind that strong winds and heavy rain can leave many dangers behind them, and employers and employees need to take the proper precautions to avoid serious injury."

The public service announcements, read by Assistant Secretary Foulke and others, and available in both English and Spanish, can be downloaded from the audio news release page of the Labor Department's Web site and OSHA's hurricane recovery Web site. These messages inform listeners about hazards including falls from heights, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, electrocution from fallen power lines, lacerations from tree trimming and automobile injuries from working around roadways.

Employers and employees looking for more information or with specific questions should call the department's toll-free helpline at 866-4-USA-DOL (487-2365).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women 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.