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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced
today that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is
providing advice and technical assistance to employers and federal agencies to
help protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances in the New York City
and Pentagon disaster sites.
In New York, OSHA is testing asbestos levels in buildings within a
several block radius surrounding the perimeter of the World Trade Center
emergency site.
“OSHA is working with other federal agencies to help employees
return to their jobsites as quickly as possible. Initial reports on asbestos
levels in outlying buildings are extremely encouraging. OSHA’s goal is to
ensure that people who enter buildings near or downwind from the emergency area
are protected and provided with all of the safety information possible,”
said Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
OSHA inspectors are working in conjunction with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to test asbestos levels in New York City. EPA sampling
of ambient air quality has found either no asbestos or very low levels of
asbestos. Sampling of bulk materials and dust found generally low levels of
asbestos.
OSHA has also been advising Consolidated Edison regarding safety
standards for employees who are digging trenches because of leaking gas lines
underground. The agency is advising the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms regarding worker protection during
rescue operations.
At the Pentagon, OSHA is assisting with concerns about asbestos exposure
and structural damage during rescue operations.
In addition to OSHA’s role, Chao also highlighted the role of the
Department of Labor’s Office of Workers Compensation (OWCP), which has
established teams to expedite processing of workers’ compensation claims
for eligible federal staff and emergency personnel.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act covers all civilian federal
employees who sustain injuries while on duty assisting recovery efforts in the
Pentagon and World Trade Center attacks and subsequent rescue operations.
Surviving spouses and dependent children are also entitled to benefits.
The Department of Defense has set up a crisis center in Crystal City to
assist Pentagon personnel and their relatives, and the Department of Labor has
OWCP staff and computer equipment on site to process claims immediately.
Federal civilian employees are also encouraged to call 1-866-999-FECA for
assistance with compensation claims.
“As President Bush stated, our way of life, our very freedom came
under attack this week,” said Secretary Chao. “In the midst of this
tragedy, we have resolved to do the work of the people. Checks should go out;
claims should be processed; and work sites should be inspected. The only way
these attacks will succeed is if they prevent our government from serving the
American people. This will not happen. Our resolve to do our duty and serve the
country we love will not be deterred or diminished by terrorist acts.”
Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
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