April 6, 2023

US Department of Labor urges caution to avoid fall, electrical, other hazards
during tornado cleanup in Bollinger County, Missouri

Tornadoes, severe storms caused damage throughout Eastern Missouri April 5

BOLLINGER COUNTY, MO - Workers and others engaged in recovery and cleanup operations after at least one tornado struck the Village of Glenallen in Bollinger County in the early hours of April 5, 2023, may face hazards related to falls, downed power lines and sharp debris.

Representatives with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct outreach in Bollinger County to assist recovery workers and homeowners in recognizing hazards common in storm cleanup to prevent injury and illness.

"OSHA reminds workers and employers to pause and evaluate hazards, safety procedures and the need for appropriate personal protective equipment to stay safe during response and recovery operations," said OSHA Area Director Bill McDonald in St. Louis. "Workers should also be aware of hazards from heat stress and the dangers that equipment such as portable generators and chain saws may present during cleanup efforts."

Protective measures should always include:

• Evaluating work areas for hazards.
• Using engineering or work practice controls to minimize hazards.
• Wearing proper clothing and using personal protective equipment.
• Assuming all power lines are live.
• Using portable generators, saws, ladders, and other equipment properly.
• Following safety precautions in traffic work zones.
• Using fall protection when working at heights over 6 feet.
• Proper use of vehicles and other equipment such as front-end loaders and skid steers.

OSHA’s Response and Recovery page has additional information to assist in planning cleanup work safely.

Learn more about OSHA.

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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-4807, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 23-665-KAN