OSHA Consults With BP on Spill Cleanup

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration met with BP PLC to ensure that oil-spill cleanup workers receive necessary protections from hazardous chemicals, drowning risks and encounters with wildlife, OSHA said May 3.

OSHA said it is consulting with BP and federal agency partners to ensure workers received appropriate training and protective equipment.

"Oil-spill cleanup workers are on the front lines attacking this disaster," said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. "It is our top priority to ensure that this is done as effectively, efficiently and safely as possible."

OSHA said it was applying lessons it learned during its experience in the Exxon Valdez spill and post-hurricane Katrina cleanup efforts.