Region 1 News Release: 10-475-BOS/BOS 2010-156
April 13, 2010
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074
E-mail: fitzgerald.edmund@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA providing guidance to
employers and contractors during Rhode Island flood cleanup

PROVIDENCE, R.I. ¿ The Providence Area Office of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is providing technical assistance to employers, contractors, business owners and others performing cleanup and recovery activities resulting from the recent record-breaking flooding that has engulfed Rhode Island.

"The safety and health of individuals performing this vital work is our primary concern," said Patrick Griffin, OSHA's Rhode Island area director. "We want to make certain that they are aware of the hazards associated with their activities and of how best to minimize and prevent those hazards. Recovery work should not put you in the recovery room."

Over the next 30 days, OSHA will be visiting cleanup sites throughout the Ocean State in an advisory capacity to observe activities, and offer employers and workers information and guidance on identifying and addressing cleanup hazards.

Those hazards can include contaminated water, mold, heat stress, exposure to the elements, carbon monoxide poisoning, drowning, toxic or oxygen-deficient confined spaces, falls, electrocution, crushing and struck-by hazards.

OSHA maintains a comprehensive Web site on keeping disaster site workers safe during cleanup and recovery operations: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/flood-tornado-recovery.html. It contains fact sheets, concise "quick cards," frequently asked questions, safety and health guides and information, public service announcements in English and Spanish, and links to information from other sources.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.