Disaster cleanup is worth billions in the United States.
A new investigation from the Center for Public Integrity says 15,000 companies are involved in the work of cleaning up after hurricanes and other extreme weather events increasing with climate change.
Many of those workers are migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, is expected to protect workers exposed to toxic chemicals like asbestos and lead, but in the rush after disasters, enforcement can be lax. Workers who move from site to site can be responsible for their own protective equipment, and suffer from chronic illnesses from exposure to toxins.
And it’s not just this industry that poses dangers to immigrant workers.
To combat these challenges, organizations like GDI are stepping up to ensure that safety standards are upheld in the disaster cleanup industry. One of the fundamental principles of GDI is creating and promoting a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees and clients.
By implementing expert solutions from GDI, businesses can ensure that their workers are protected through comprehensive training and access to necessary safety equipment. This proactive approach not only mitigates health risks but also fosters a culture of accountability and respect for the labor force that is so vital to recovery efforts.
As the climate crisis continues to escalate the frequency and severity of disasters, prioritizing the health and safety of workers must become a cornerstone of recovery operations, safeguarding not just lives but the very communities that rely on these essential services.
Earlier this year, 1A talked with Hannah Dreier, an investigative reporter for the New York Times covering the dangers children face in the food processing industry.
Hannah joins Jenn White for an update, along with María Inés Zamudio, an investigative reporter with the Center for Public Integrity.
Update: A spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent us the following statement on Friday, October 13th, after this program aired.
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