Keeping Safety Front and Center During Recovery
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Austen Cook and Hana Patterson from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to discuss workplace safety in the CNMI as recovery work continues after the disaster. They shared that while OSHA teams are visiting worksites across the Commonwealth, the current focus is largely on outreach and education, helping workers and employers understand how to keep recovery efforts aligned with safety practices and OSHA guidance. That approach is important. The urgency to rebuild is real, but recovery should not come at the expense of worker safety. A big part of this effort is making sure people understand both their rights and their responsibilities in the workplace. I encourage workers and employers alike to stay informed about the protections and guidance available as recovery work moves forward. Thank you to the OSHA team for taking the time to meet and for the work being done to support safe recovery efforts across our islands.