The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is providing safety assistance, information, and training to professionals and volunteers who are working to restore damaged areas after Hurricane Sandy. Anyone involved in the cleanup should be aware of possible hazards and OSHA is providing instructions on how to prevent unsafe work situations and serious injuries.

Hazards include downed electrical wires, carbon monoxide and electrical hazards from portable generators, working at heights, being caught in unprotected excavations or confined spaces, burns, lacerations, musculoskeletal injuries, being struck by traffic or heavy equipment, and flooded structures.

Protective measures include:

•  Evaluating the work area for all hazards; 
•  Assuming all power lines are live; 
•  Using the right personal protective equipment (hard hats, shoes, reflective vests, safety glasses); 
•  Conducting exposure monitoring where there are chemical hazards; 
•  Following safe tree-cutting procedures to prevent trees from falling on workers; and 
•  Using fall protection and proper ladder safety when working at heights.

For more information, including fact sheets, FAQs, safety guides and more about protecting workers during Hurricane Sandy recovery, visit www.osha.gov/sandy/index.html.