Protective Equipment Needed for Hurricane Sandy Clean-Up Workers-Volunteers

Hurricane Recovery Worker / FEMA

As the massive clean-up and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy continue on the East Coast, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is assisting the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) garner needed personal protection equipment (PPE) through donations to be sent directly to 501c3 organizations in the affected areas. ASSE members, occupational safety, health and environmental professionals, are also volunteering their time and expertise with the clean-up and recovery, while many have suffered damage to their own homes as well.

ASSE is asking companies and organizations if they can donate the following safety equipment:
1. Safety vests
2. Gloves (a) cloth, (b) rubber chemical resistant and (c) leather to handle tree branches
3. Hard Hats
4. Ear plugs
5. Knee pads, water proof coveralls and cut resistant chaps
6. Fire extinguishers
7. Goggles without vent hole
8. Electrically insulated watertight boots with steel shank, toe and insole
9. Disposable N 95 respirators but not elastomer respirators
10. Bags to contain all of the above

Please contact OSHA’s Cathie M. Mannion, Assistant Regional Administrator for Technical Support, at mannion.cathie@dol.gov if you have any questions about the specific donations or locations. OSHA notes that shipping to the individual organizations directly will speed the distribution to the workers. Also, companies should let ASSE know by contacting tstachura@asse.org or cnorgaard@asse.org on what donations are being made and where they are being sent to ensure the efforts are coordinated.

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NJ Provides Workers' Compensation For Hurricane Recovery Employees

West Long Branch, N.J., Nov. 9, 2012 --In West Long Branch, electrical repair trucks stand ready in the night to be utilized during the next shift to continue the huge job of restoring power to the thousands in the state still without. FEMA is working with state and local agencies to expedite the return of normalcy after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Photo by Sharon Karr/FEMA

As Hurricane Sandy recovery workers descend on NJ by land, sea and airlift, by the thousands, energized and fueled by caffeine, to work long and tiring hours, to do treacherous and hazardous tasks, they need to understand that they maybe covered under the New Jersey Workers' Compensation Act for potential benefits.

The NJ Workers' Compensation Act is clear, if the accident occurs in the State of NJ then then the injured worker is covered and entitled to benefits. THe benefits are: temporary disability, medical treatment and permanent disability. 

Injured workers must comply with certain notice provision and should consult an attorney at law for guidance.

"In addition to the many thousands of utility workers, more than 280 troopers from eight states deployed last weekend to New Jersey to provide security at checkpoints and patrols in Monmouth County from the Bayshore area to Brielle, and in Ocean County on the barrier islands from Point Pleasant Beach to Long Beach Island."
Click Here to Read: "Sandy recovery becomes national mission as countless workers come to N.J.'s aid" (nj.com)

....

Jon L.Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson).  

Read More About Hurricane Sandy

Workers' Compensation: Hurricane Sandy Relief: US Resources

Nov 06, 2012

Safety is a primary issue when you're recovering from a disaster. Follow these tips to help ensure your safety and cope with the disaster. If you aren't able to return home, states, tribes, localities, and the Red Cross continue to ...

http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/

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NJ Hurricane Sandy Resources: Food, Water, Fuel, Hotels and Pharmacies. The NJ Regional Operational Intelligence Center has now posted a list of resources for victims suffering from Hurricane Sandy. FOOD Type Address ...

http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/

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What Workers Should Do In Case of a Hurricane

Credit: National Hurricane Center

Workers' Compensation insurance provides benefits if an employee is injured because of because of a hurricane. Preparing for a hurricane is important, and that should include reporting work related injuries to your employer and/or insurance company.


While NIOSH has alerted all of us to the dangers of a hurricane, "....Storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls."


Should a worker suffer any injuries then they should seek medical care at once, and report the incident to their employer. Prepare ahead and take your employer's contact information and workers' compensation insurance information with you so you are prepared to provide to authorities and your employer the facts to process your claim without delay.

For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

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