U.S. Department of Labor Urges Wilkes-Barre Area to Be Vigilant About Safety Hazards During Tornado Cleanup and Recovery

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Following a recent tornado that caused millions of dollars of property damage in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, area, the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urges all those involved in cleanup and rebuilding operations to take precautions and be vigilant about safety.

Employees cleaning up after the storm may be exposed to serious hazards, including heat-related illnesses; downed electric lines; sharp debris; slips, trips, and falls; and struck-by objects. Employees should also be aware of hazards from equipment used during response/recovery operations, such as portable generators.

Those working outdoors may be at risk for heat stress, including first responders who are on duty for long periods of time. Every year, dozens of employees suffer fatal heat-related illnesses, and thousands more become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. More than 40 percent of heat-related fatalities occur in the construction industry, but workers in every field are susceptible.

OSHA's Tornado Preparedness and Response website contains information and guidance for employees and employers about hazards and safeguards during tornado response and recovery activities.

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 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 https://www.osha.gov