December 4, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Returns to Normal Enforcement
In Northern Mariana Islands Following Typhoon Yutu

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has returned to normal enforcement operations throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) following Typhoon Yutu. OSHA will continue to provide compliance assistance and outreach through the CNMI Onsite Consultation Office.

In the typhoon’s aftermath, OSHA ceased programmed enforcement inspections in impacted areas, and focused on assisting employers and employees involved in cleanup and recovery operations. OSHA retained its right to perform enforcement inspections involving fatalities, catastrophic incidents, employee complaints, and employers that repeatedly exposed employees to serious hazards during cleanup and recovery activities.

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost, confidential occupational safety and health services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Employers can call 670-287-7531 or 670-287-7533 to schedule a visit. Employers and employees working in the affected areas may also call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742), the Honolulu area office at 808-541-2680, or go to the OSHA Hurricane Preparedness and Response website for additional information.

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 help ensure 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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Media Contacts:

Leo Kay, 415-625-2630, kay.leo.f@dol.gov
Jose Carnevali, 415-625-2631, carnevali.jose@dol.gov

Release Number: 18-1896-SAN

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).