South Carolina OSHA employees are providing safety assistance and supplies to employers and employees during the state’s recovery from Hurricane Florence.
According to a press release from the SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, SC OSHA employees will be in areas impacted by Hurricane Florence to “provide assistance with safety practices and to hand out safety supplies, free of charge, to emergency workers, employers, employees, and the public to help them perform work safely” during recovery efforts.
“SC OSHA employees are traveling around affected areas of the state observing cleanup efforts,” the release says. “As they see potentially dangerous situations or people working without necessary safety supplies, they are stopping to educate the individuals and give them safety supplies.”
Anyone in need of safety assistance, advice, or supplies can call the SC OSHA office at 803-896-7665, according to the release. Staff members can provide information about safety procedures and available supplies include hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, dust masks, and reflective vests.
“Cleanup work can involve many hazards related to: debris cleanup; tree trimming; working near power lines; structural, roadway and bridge repair; hazardous waste operations; and emergency response activities,” states the release. “Hazards can be minimized with knowledge, safe practices, and personal protective equipment.”
SC OSHA offered the following tips in the release:
- “Evaluate the work area for hazards.”
- “Employ engineering or work practice controls to mitigate hazards.”
- “Use personal protective equipment.”
- “Assume all power lines are live.”
- “Use portable generators, saws, ladders, vehicles and other equipment properly.”
- “Heed safety precautions for traffic work zones.”
Anyone with questions about SC OSHA standards can call 803-896-7682 or 803-896-7661.