OSHA Provides Technical Advice on Recovering from Disaster Safely
When disasters strike, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration transforms itself and swings into technical assistance mode for affected areas. This week, after devastating storms pounded a large number of southern states, OSHA deployed teams of technical advisors to the affected areas of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. OSHA staff contacted incident commanders at the various county emergency management centers, as well as power companies that will be involved in the cleanup. They also do assessments of the safety needs for recovery workers. Dangers from downed electrical power lines and fallen trees are only two of the many hazards facing workers. “Storm recovery work encompasses a wide range of safety and health hazards, which can be minimized by knowledge, safe work practices and personal protective equipment, ” said Cindy Coe, OSHA’s regional administrator in Atlanta.
HR That Works Members should also review the many tools in the Disaster Planning section.
