OSHA Issues Alert on Dangers Associated with Hurricane Cleanup

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & 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 real – particularly for workers restoring power lines, cutting down tree limbs, and doing other cleanup and recovery work," said Jonathan Snare, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. "This type of work can be very hazardous and accidents can cost lives."

In response to Hurricane Katrina in particular, Snare said that while the storm has moved on, the danger has not. "The human toll of this catastrophic storm will not be known for weeks," he said. "In the meantime, it is incumbent upon us to offer as much assistance as possible to assure the safety of the thousands of workers who will be working around the clock during cleanup and recovery operations." OSHA has issues a series of five public service announcements realted to the following safety topics: Flooding, electrical, chainsaws, falls and mold.

Additional 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. Use the links in the sidebar at right to find fact sheets on issues and hazards relating to recovery and cleanup efforts following hurricanes from the organizations Natural Disaster Recovery page. Each fact sheet is also provided in Spanish.

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