OSHA says that as of Dec. 12, it has provided education and training efforts to more than 60,000 workers engaged in recovery efforts in communities affected by superstorm Sandy.

“More than 7,000 workers have been removed from safety and health hazards because of these efforts,” according to a statement released by the agency.

A major health concern in the recovery work: exposure to mold.

“Remediation of mold-contaminated building materials and surfaces may cause workers to become sickened or injured if employers don’t know the hazards of mold; develop an effective mediation plan; use effective controls, work practices and personal protective equipment; or train employees to recognize and protect themselves against mold,” says OSHA.

The agency has released a new Mold Hazards during Hurricane Sandy Cleanup Fact Sheet (PDF*). Additional guidance, fact sheets (including a Personal Protective Equipment Matrix (PDF*) that shows what equipment is necessary to keep workers safe) and other information can be found on OSHA's Hurricane Sandy web page.