Required precautions include:

• Properly train temporary workers to perform jobs safely in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) regulations
• Provide personnel with personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
• Protect all employees from recognized hazards.

The federal government is providing funds to various public agencies to hire temporary workers to help in New Jersey’s cleanup and recovery after Hurricane Sandy. These workers will be assigned to work in public places throughout the state and these temporary workers are considered public employees who are entitled to the same health and safety protections afforded to the rest of New Jersey’s public workforce.

Lack of training in the proper use of equipment and machinery or safe work practices may result in serious injury or death to workers assisting in the recovery effort.

Two state agencies offer free consultations and counseling to help government agencies to comply with health and safety laws, and to develop workplace health and safety programs.

Safety and health training is offered by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Office of Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health and the New Jersey Department of Health’s Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Program.

If interested in these free services, contact:

• 609-984-0785 for free safety consultation and training assistance
• 609-984-1863 for free health consultation and training assistance
• Or send an e-mail to  Safety&health_Training@dol.state.nj.us

The Office of Public Employees’ Occupational Safety & Health requires all public employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that may cause serious injury, physical harm or death.

To Prevent Injuries to Temporary Employees, Employers Must:

• Train all employees in the safe use of equipment/machinery following the manufacturer's instructions
• Restrict/prohibit work activities for employees who are not trained in accordance with applicable safety and health regulations.
• Provide personal protective equipment based on job hazard assessment and train employees on the use, care, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment.
• Ensure that all safe operating practices and laws that pertain to the safe operation of equipment are followed.
• Immediately remove all unsafe equipment from service.
• Monitor work activities to assure that safe practices are followed.
• Adhere to applicable OSHA and PEOSH regulations.

Safe Work Practices Save Lives

You may find the PEOSH Act and other information about public employee safety and health, as well as compliance with safety and health laws, online at:

• http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lsse/safetyhealth_index.html
• http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/peoshweb/

For additional information about New Jersey's Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health Program, contact:

• The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, (800) 624-1644, (609) 292-7036 or peosha@dol.state.nj.us
• The state Department of Health,  (609) 984-1863 or peosh@doh.state.nj.us