The industry is concerned that so many cranes should not have fallen over in the first place, even in such extreme conditions.
But OSHA first focused on completing the recovery operation and making sure the US would be equipped to deal with the consequences should mother nature strike again.
Informational materials helped employers and workers better address the necessary health and safety issues associated with such a clean-up operation.
“Our goal is safe and healthy workers,” said acting assistant secretary of labour for OSHA Jonathan Snare.
He added: “These guidance materials provided concise, expert information that helped workers avoid the vast array of hazards they encountered during the recovery operations.”
OSHA safety and health experts developed a range of fact sheets and flash cards with safety and health tips. Thousands of these were printed, laminated and put in the hands of clean-up and recovery workers throughout the Gulf Coast area.
In response to specific requests, OSHA developed further flash cards on demolition, hydrogen sulphide, lead in construction, permit-required confined spaces, struck-by hazards during hurricane recovery and tree trimming. Additional information on other topics will be developed on a continuing basis.
For more information visit www.osha.gov
