OSHA has released several public service announcements (PSAs) to help protect employees from hazards such as electrocution and falls from heights during hurricane cleanup and recovery operations, the agency announced in a recent press release.

“In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, and with more hurricanes forming in the Atlantic, OSHA is ensuring that we reach as many people as possible with the information they need to stay safe while they help repair the damage done by this and future storms,” said Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. “We want everyone to keep in mind that strong winds and heavy rain can leave many dangers behind them, and employers and employees need to take the proper precautions to avoid serious injury.”

The PSAs, read by Assistant Secretary Foulke and others, and available in both English and Spanish, can be downloaded from the audio news release page of the Labor Department’s Web site at http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/audio and OSHA’s hurricane recovery Web site at http://www.osha.gov/hurricane#PSA. These messages inform listeners about hazards including falls from heights, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, electrocution from fallen power lines, lacerations from tree trimming and automobile injuries from working around roadways.

Employers and employees looking for more information or with specific questions should call the department’s toll-free helpline at 866-4-USA-DOL (487-2365).