US Department of Labor urges workers, public in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Carolinas to be aware of hazards in recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene

Who:   U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration

            Emergency and recovery response crews, residents in areas affected by Hurricane Helene

What: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges response and recovery crews, as well as residents in areas affected by Hurricane Helene to be aware of hazards caused by flooding, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees and storm debris.  

Storm recovery efforts may involve hazards related to restoring electricity and communications, clearing and removing debris, repairing or replacing roofs, and trimming trees. People involved in recovery and cleanup activities should have experience and proper training and be familiar with related equipment.

Protective measures after a weather disaster should include the following:

• Evaluating work areas for hazards.
• Assessing the stability of structures and walking surfaces.
• Ensuring fall protection when working from elevated surfaces.
• Assuming all powerlines are live.
• Operating chainsaws, portable generators, ladders and other equipment properly.
• Using personal protective equipment, such as gloves, hard hats, hearing, foot and eye protection. 

Background: OSHA offers a hurricane preparedness and response comprehensive website with safety tips to help employers and workers, including an alert on keeping workers safe during flood cleanup. Individuals involved in response and recovery efforts may call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).     

Quote: “As our region seeks to restore our communities after a weather emergency like Hurricane Helene, it is important to remember the wide range of hazards storm recovery presents, particularly for emergency responders and recovery workers,” explained OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer in Atlanta. “The risk of injuries and fatalities during cleanup can be reduced with knowledge, safe work practices and using proper personal protective equipment. Our safety professionals are ready to assist with questions about reducing hazards in the wake of this catastrophic storm.”