ALBANY - New York State Department of Labor safety and health inspectors are available to areas hard hit by Hurricane Sandy to offer affected businesses free on-site safety and health inspections, a service that can save small businesses thousands of dollars. This free service can help employers hard hit by the storm reopen their doors as soon as possible.

Businesses can schedule a free inspection by calling 1-888-4-NYSDOL (1-888-469-7365) or visiting www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/safetyhealth/safetyhealthtourism.shtm.

“Business is the backbone of our state’s economy and we will do everything in our power to get businesses hurt by Hurricane Sandy back on their feet,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “As business again picks up, we want to ensure that both employees and the general public are safe. I urge every business affected by Hurricane Sandy to schedule their free inspection.”

The Governor has asked safety and health inspectors to deploy to businesses in any of the impacted storm areas to assess hazards. They will also help businesses understand how to minimize, eliminate and control the hazards identified.