DOL Urges Storm Workers, Public to Be Aware of Hazards During Storm Cleanup
OSHA says the public needs to take the necessary steps to stay safe.
OSHA says Florida's emergency workers, employers, and the public at large should be aware of the hazards they may encounter and take necessary steps to stay safe.
"Recovery work should not send you to the hospital emergency room," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta. "A range of safety and health hazards exist following storms. You can minimize these dangers with knowledge, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment. OSHA wants to make certain that all working men and women, including volunteers, return home at the end of the workday."
OSHA recommends the following safety measures for cleaning up in stormy areas: Evaluating all work areas for hazards; employing engineering or work practice controls to mitigate hazards; using personal protective equipment; assuming all power lines are live; using portable generators, saws, ladders, vehicles, and other equipment properly; and heeding safety precautions for traffic work zones.