OSHA Consults With BP on Spill Cleanup

May 4, 2010

Agency wants to ensure cleanup worker safety.

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.

About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.