OSHA will soon resume regular enforcement of job safety and health standards throughout much of the U.S. Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina.

As of January 25, OSHA will conduct normal enforcement throughout Florida and Alabama , in Mississippi north of Interstate 10, and in Louisiana except in seven parishes in and around New Orleans .

Following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, OSHA exempted a number of counties and parishes in Florida , Alabama , Mississipp,i and Louisiana from regular enforcement status. OSHA limited inspections to cases involving fatalities, catastrophic accidents, or complaints.

"We're now able to resume normal operations in several of the impacted areas where recovery--while still ongoing--has progressed more fully than other areas," says Acting OSHA chief Jonathan L. Snare. "For the New Orleans area and south of Interstate 10 in Mississippi , we will continue to provide technical assistance to employers and workers by providing advice and information on hazards and the use of personal protective equipment and other safety measures. However, we will continue our traditional enforcement policy in response to employee complaints, major injuries or fatalities."