labor lawAdivision of labor law center

OSHA, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is warning employers to follow proper safety precautions in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, and the related Midwest floods.

The federal agency has released several public service announcements to remind employers that they are still responsible for worker safety, even under such trying conditions as these natural disasters.

Employers should particularly be aware of the dangers of electrocution and falls from heights during the 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.”

Download the public service announcements, available in both English and Spanish, here. 

OSHA has also introduced a special Hurricane Recovery website that reminds employers of the specific hazards faced by workers during the cleanup process. These include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, electrocution from fallen power lines, cuts from tree trimming and automobile injures from working to clear roadways.

Cleanup workers also need to be aware of the dangers of hypothermia, because they are often working in wet conditions, or standing in water. Hypothermia – the loss of body heat – can result from extended exposure to water at any temperature below 98 degrees. In extreme cases, it can be life threatening.

West Nile virus is also a hazard for hurricane recovery workers. To avoid this dangerous disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes, employees must avoid mosquito bites. They should wear long sleeves and pants, rather than shorts, even in hot conditions. Employees should also use insect repellant. Most important, employers should get rid of any stagnant or standing water if possible. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water in as little as 4 days.

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