News Release

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OSHA News Release: [09/23/2003]
Contact Name: Layne Lathram
Phone Number: (202) 693-1999

OSHA Issues Alert on the Dangers Associated with the Clean Up and Recovery from Hurricane Isabel

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and 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 Hurricane Isabel.

Fatal accidents involving electrocution of power company workers, as well as serious injuries associated with tree trimming, 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.

John L. Henshaw, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, is today issuing the following public service announcement:

Hurricane Isabel is gone, but the danger is not over—especially for workers restoring power lines, cutting down tree limbs, and doing other cleanup and recovery work. This kind of work can be hazardous, and accidents can cost lives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises workers to take proper safety and health precautions to avoid serious injuries from falls, electric shock, chain saws and other machinery. For more information, please call 1-800-321-OSHA or log onto www.OSHA.gov. This message comes to you from OSHA and its partners in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

Listen to the public service announcement using the RealOne Player™.

Radio stations may record this public service announcement for broadcast by calling the Labor Department’s audio news service at 1-800-877-9002.

OSHA is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses and protecting America’s workers. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life.

Public Service Announcement Phone Number: 1-800-877-9002.

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