Protecting Workers at Ground Zero
The United States will never be the same following September 11, 2001. The destruction of the World
Trade Center (WTC) was unprecedented in American history. The tragic events of 9/11 have become a
national benchmark. The heroic dedication of the rescue workers at what became known as Ground Zero
filled the nation with hope and pride.
The New York Division of Safety and Health (DOSH) and federal OSHA took immediate steps in the
aftermath of 9/11 to protect the search and rescue workers. Besides New York DOSH, 18 state plan
states sent staff to work in New York City as part of the around-the-clock effort to ensure the
safety and health of workers involved in the World Trade Center recovery operations. States sending
workers were: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey,
New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and
Washington.
On May 30, 2002, the recovery and cleanup at the World Trade Center disaster site came to an end.
Three million work hours were logged by rescue and recovery personnel at the World Trade Center
worksite. More than 1,000 members of the OSHA family from around the country came to New York City
to help protect those recovery workers.
The state plan states were proud to aid in the efforts to protect the thousands of working men and
women at the World Trade Center disaster site. Staff who volunteered expressed a unified gratitude
to be able to assist the heroic men and women who worked tirelessly in the rescue and recovery
operations.
Preparing for Workplace Emergencies
In OSHA’s report summarizing the work at the World Trade Center, Inside the Green Line, the lessons
learned include the firm understanding that on September 11th, the United States entered a new era
that requires increased levels of vigilance and stronger commitments than ever before to emergency
preparedness. (Inside the Green Line is available online at www.osha.gov, or by calling
800.321.OSHA.)
Following the work in New York, both federal OSHA and state plan programs for occupational safety
and health are taking action to address this important lesson learned by developing emergency
preparedness strategies. Many federal and state agencies charged with protecting workers developed
guidelines, formed project groups and enlisted other organizations to address terrorism and
emergency preparedness in the workplace.
No one expects an emergency or disaster to directly affect them, their employees or their business.
An emergency or disaster, however, can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Workplace
emergencies in the past have included: fires, floods, toxic gas releases or chemical spills,
explosions, etc. Now that list must also include acts of terrorism.
State plan states have responded in a variety of ways to this new workplace hazard. Typically we
know what the hazards of the workplace are, and we know how to protect workers against known risks.
When dealing with the unexpected and unknown risks related to workplace security and emergency
preparedness, a cooperative effort is essential.
New York
The New York State Division of Safety and Health (DOSH) continues to focus on enhancing capabilities
to respond to emergencies, natural disasters or acts of terrorism to provide safety and health
expertise to first responders. The DOSH 9/11 WTC Response Team, and other staff, developed the DOSH
Crisis Response Plan and are ensuring that employees have appropriate emergency response training
(Incident Command, HAZWOPER, etc.) and have necessary resources readily available in the event of an
emergency. Staff continue to participate in emergency response training/refresher training and are
utilizing "tabletop" sessions to evaluate readiness and response capabilities. Last fall, DOSH
exercised its Crisis Response Plan as Hurricane Isabel was moving northward up the eastern seaboard.
DOSH personnel were positioned at the New York State Command Center throughout the weekend
activation.
DOSH has also continued to work closely with emergency services throughout New York including SEMO,
Office of Public Security, Weapons of Mass Destruction Task Force, Fire Service and Police, EMS,
etc. Outreach efforts include providing training, fit testing, PPE assessments and safety and health
consultations. The inspection and consultation staff continue to evaluate emergency response plans
throughout their jurisdiction, providing assistance in updating and improving emergency response
plans for various employers and municipalities. Consultants are actively contacting their local
emergency response agencies to establish working relationships and provide information on the DOSH
Crisis Response Plan and the role DOSH plays in emergency situations throughout New York.
New Jersey
New Jersey was significantly impacted by the bio-terrorist attack in the fall of 2001. Four letters
containing anthrax passed through postal facilities in New Jersey. The letters caused contamination
that resulted in four cases of cutaneous and two cases of pulmonary anthrax, contamination of postal
facilities, and public concern. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS),
Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Program (PEOSH), participated in the efforts to
protect postal employees public employees and the public during this serious public health
emergency.
PEOSH staff assisted in the development of guidelines including:
- Sample Collection and Building Evacuation and Decontamination and Re-entry Guidelines for Suspect
Anthrax Incidents;
- Interim Guidelines for Minimizing the Risk from Cutaneous and Inhalation Anthrax While Handling
Mail;
- Guidelines for Employees Potentially Exposed to Bacillus anthracis.
PEOSH staff also assisted in environmental evaluations including:
- Environmental sampling strategy for the Hamilton Township Postal Facility;
- Site entry into the Hamilton Facility, West Trenton Facility, Princeton Facility and the Bellmawr
Facility;
- Conducted environmental surface sampling in all postal facilities served by the main Hamilton
Facility (896 samples from 49 facilities);
- Assisted in decontamination of the Hamilton Facility;
- Assisted in coordinating a validation study conducted by the IT Corporation and the NJDHSS
Laboratory; and
- Conducted inspections of a high volume state government mail sorting facility and made
recommendations for engineering controls.
Nevada
After the events of 9/11, it became clear to Nevada government agencies that they needed to be
better prepared to handle catastrophic emergency situations. Through a combined effort, the Nevada
OSHA and Safety Consultation and Training Sections were able to receive federal grants and one-shot
money to form two response teams. These two teams began training in early October 2002.
All team members have been trained to the Technician Level for HAZMAT response, as well as, WMD,
response to terrorism, incident command, and advanced medical training. The two teams drill in
conjunction with local first responder agencies, and work with high-hazard employers throughout the
state. A major function of the teams is to perform outreach presentations to local employers to
assist them in preparation for response to emergency situations.
Outreach presentations are focused around "Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace." Team members
assist employers in reviewing emergency response plans, observe and participate in drills, and
provide help to ensure that employers are prepared for the unexpected. Outreach sessions have proven
productive for employers and team members. The two response team trailers are stocked with various
types of personal protective equipment, which can be issued to affected employees and responders
during the course of an incident. Files pertaining to high-hazard employers throughout the state are
kept with the response team equipment to ensure quick access to much needed information during an
emergency situation.
Arizona
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) has begun serving on the Advisory
Committee for the Arizona Emergency Response Commission. This Commission oversees 15 Local Emergency
Planning Committees and supports community, industry and government and academia in: planning,
release and incident reporting, data management guidance for inventory reporting, public disclosure
of information about hazardous chemicals in Arizona as well as development of training and outreach
programs.
The Commission supports individual agency goals and objectives. This is accomplished through the
receipt and coordination of emergency notifications of chemical releases, collection and provision
of chemical inventory information to interested parties, training and grants programs.
Additionally, the AZSERC provides consultative services, conducts and participates in workshops and
coordinates development and review of plans and programs for 15 Local Emergency Planning Committees.
Further, the AZSERC serves as a state clearinghouse for hazardous chemical emergency preparedness
and planning activities and information through coordination with federal, state, local governments,
industry and community interest groups. Additionally, ADOSH continued to participate in monthly
conference calls between Federal OSHA and other state plan states to discuss homeland security
issues and the role for OSHA and state plan states.
California
California has worked with local and state emergency response agencies on integrating safety into
their planning and response to catastrophic events. For a number of years, Cal/OSHA representatives
have met with the California Office of Emergency Services, the organization charged with
coordination and emergency contingency planning. More recently, Cal/OSHA has met with the Office of
Homeland Security.
Cal/OSHA recently expanded on its liaison with the Office of Homeland Security by completing a
systematic evaluation of Cal/OSHA’s preparedness in terms of personnel and other resources to
respond to terrorist events. Cal/OSHA has created emergency response teams in northern and southern
California. Cal/OSHA personnel were selected to serve at the Risk Assessment level or the Competent
Technical level based on the level of training, expertise and experience in one or more of the risk
categories. Risk categories include biohazard, industrial chemical hazard, radiological hazard,
chemical weapons or nuclear device hazard or structural collapse hazard.
Connecticut
Connecticut (CONN-OSHA) is working with the Connecticut Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
developing personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols and guidelines for response to weapons of
mass destruction (WMD) incidents. They are also meeting with OEM to define CONN-OSHA’s roll to
protect the safety and health of emergency responders, should an incident occur. CONN-OSHA continues
to offer all employers in the state, emergency evacuation training and provided information to 300
emergency responders at the height of the anthrax incidents.
Iowa
Iowa participated in inter-agency planning meetings in the statewide response to the anthrax threat
in mail handling. They are also prepared to provide respiratory protection training to employers and
employees.
Kentucky
The Kentucky OSH Program has representation on the Governor’s Security Working Group. The delegates
meet monthly to plan actions to be taken and discuss homeland security issues, and participate in
state security exercises and planning conferences.
Maryland
Maryland continues to offer the "Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness" seminar to guide
participants through the process of preparing and implementing an emergency response plan. This
seminar was presented five times during this period reaching 150 employers and employees for a total
900 training hours.
Michigan
The new MIOSHA Strategic Plan for 2003-2008 includes a specific objective to address emergency
preparedness strategies to enable MIOSHA to assist in the event of a terrorist or other significant
threat or attack. MIOSHA will provide preparedness information to increase workplace knowledge of
and readiness for a terrorist attack or other significant threat or attack. MIOSHA has also
developed an Emergency Management Plan and designated staff to provide initial response and
assistance following a catastrophic incident.
In response to the terrorism and anthrax concerns that emerged following 9/11, MIOSHA developed a
workplace security resource guide for use in outreach and training efforts. The guide includes
information on preparing for emergencies, terrorism and industrial chemicals, terrorism and
biological/chemical agents (including anthrax) and information on helpful websites. The guide is
available in hard copy and on the MIOSHA website.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is represented by MNOSHA compliance at the Department
of Public Safety. This representation ensures their involvement in all incidents of natural, as well
as human-made disasters. In addition, they are involved in state of Minnesota planning for potential
acts of terrorism. The role of MNOSHA compliance is defined in the Minnesota Emergency Operations
Plan. The state has an internal Catastrophic Event Team that is their first line of contact in
regard to an event. MNOSHA also provides help to employers in regard to their emergency response and
preparation plan.
In FY03, MNOSHA continued to monitor the activities of the Minnesota Emergency Preparedness and
Response Committee and participated as a member when the committee was addressing MNOSHA-related
issues. Agendas for the quarterly meetings in 2003 dealt primarily with homeland security issues.
The members of the internal Catastrophic Event Inspection Team and MNOSHA management completed
training for both the Basic Incident Command System and Emergency Response to Terrorism. In FY03,
MNOSHA purchased equipment such as: Reference books; A chemical detector kit; Rolling duffle bags;
Various gloves; Hooded windbreakers; A weatherproof first aid kit; and A portable eyewash.
Oregon
In FY 2002, Oregon OSHA created its Terrorism Task Force. The mission of the task force is two-fold:
to develop a strategy for OR-OSHA’s response in the event of a major terrorist event or disaster,
and to participate with other state and local agencies in preparing for and planning a coordinated
response to such an event.
The development of a draft plan of action for responding to a major terrorist event is one of the
most significant accomplishments resulting from the efforts of the Terrorism Task Force. The
detailed plan outlines a very specific course of events that will be set into motion following a
qualifying event, including identifying the different roles of OR-OSHA staff, meeting locations,
internal and external communications, initial discussion issues, sampling policy, and a plan for
providing incident specific safety and health training to responders.
Training members to enhance their knowledge of emergency response and CBRNE (chemical, biological,
radiological, nuclear, and explosive) threats is a top priority of the Task Force. Members have
received specialized training in the areas of incident command, the role of industrial hygiene in a
terrorist response, and biohazard agents.
Locally, the Task Force has been actively involved with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), the
branch of Oregon state government responsible for coordinating emergency responses. Oregon OSHA
serves as a member of the Oregon Emergency Response System Council, which meets quarterly. The
primary role of OROSHA in this group is to assure the safety and health issues of first responders
and first receivers (i.e. hospital staff) are addressed. OR-OSHA is also part of an OEM working
group of state and local agencies that meets monthly to discuss emergency planning.
Oregon OSHA also participates in national emergency preparedness efforts including the OSHA monthly
conference call and the Interstate Chemical Terrorism Working Group (ICTWG). The ICTWG
teleconferences monthly to discuss issues affecting the ability of the national public health
community to effectively respond to an act of terrorism involving chemicals.
Tennessee
Tennessee OSHA has worked with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security and the Tennessee Emergency
Management Agency to develop a response plan to provide technical assistance and assure the safety
and health protection of emergency workers. Tennessee OSHA has provided input to OSHA’s Region IV
Emergency Response Plan. Staff members most likely to be involved in emergency response activities
have received training in both Incident Command and Emergency Response to Terrorism procedures. The
Commissioner of Labor and Workplace Development is a member of the Governor’s Homeland Security
Council.
Utah
In preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah established a separate state agency with the
responsibility of coordinating the response in the state to large scale workplace emergencies. This
agency is the Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security. It is part of the Department of
Public Safety. The Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division plays a supporting role by making
its resources available as needed.
Virginia
In 2002, Virginia Consultation, in cooperation with the Virginia Labor Studies Center at Virginia
Commonwealth University, conducted "Emergency Preparedness" training sessions for small businesses
in three areas of the state. This project was to focus on businesses that were prone to any
potential disasters, e.g., natural, man-made, and individual or organized terrorism. An Emergency
Preparedness Manual was developed and is available in English and Spanish on their
website.
The VOSH Emergency Response Plan includes coordination with and monitoring of state emergency
services and related activities. Direct support activities will include proper respirator usage and
testing of equipment as well as other procedural assistance as required during rescue and relief
operations.
Washington
Washington had active participation in the "TOPOFF 2" exercise that was held in 2003 in Seattle by
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State. The exercise consisted of
response by federal, state and local emergency responders to a simulated explosion containing
radioactive material.
Washington (WISHA) is working with the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management
Division, the agency that has primary responsibility for coordination and emergency contingency
planning. WISHA representatives also worked with other state agencies to address issues regarding
the preparation and response to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. Activities include
discussion and incorporation of safety and health requirements for emergency responders, training,
planning, and attending scheduled emergency exercises. WISHA participated in a Chemical Stockpile
Emergency Preparedness (CSEPP) exercise with the Emergency Management Division. The exercise
included representatives from Oregon and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
Next
Section: Strategic Plans: Focusing on Performance»
|
Back to Top
Printing Instructions