As the Hurricane Sandy cleanup continues throughout New England, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a fact sheet to educate employers and workers about the need for proper equipment and training in the face of possible hazards.

Workers from all across the country are now involved in the cleanup effort along the eastern coast. Those employed in the construction trades are at a high risk for on-the-job injuries   even under the best conditions. For those assisting with the cleanup and re-building efforts after Sandy, the risk for injury is heightened. The storm left behind downed power lines, submerged tunnels and shattered buildings. Such conditions create a serious risk to the men and women working on repairs. The OSHA fact sheet focuses on the need for employers to provide workers with personal protective equipment and training on how to properly use it.

The fact sheet stresses that finding a way around a known hazard is always preferable to relying on personal protective equipment; however, it is not always possible to avoid all hazards. Along with a matrix to help employers determine what protective equipment is necessary, OSHA advises that a basic kit should include a hard hat, safety glasses, a reflective vest, gloves and steel-toed work boots. The kit also should include impervious gloves and boots for wet environments, appropriate respiratory protection where needed, fall protection for those working at heights over 6 feet and hearing protection for noisy environments.  In addition, OSHA stresses the importance of proper hygiene to prevent the spread of contaminants and disease.

For additional information, the factsheet can be viewed on OSHA’s website.

If you have been injured in a construction accident while involved in the Hurricane Sandy cleanup or in the normal course of your employment in New York or New Jersey, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages. A construction accident attorney can discuss your legal options and work on your behalf to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.