OSHA, Shipbuilding Group form alliance to protect workers in shipyard employment

WASHINGTON – (RealEstateRama) — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Shipbuilding Group recently signed an alliance focused on preventing worker exposure to electrical, ergonomic, struck-by and slip, trip and fall hazards in shipyards. The Shipbuilding Group is comprised of the National Shipbuilding Research Program and the Shipbuilders Council of America.

During the two year agreement, OSHA and the Shipbuilding Group will develop training and identify best practices that promote safety and health in shipbuilding and repair. The alliance will also support OSHA’s prevention of falls campaign, including the delivery of safety stand-down events at shipyards.

“Our alliance with the Shipbuilding Group will allow us to share safety and health information with workers in the shipbuilding industry, particularly those most vulnerable to workplace hazards,” said Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. “Through this partnership, we look forward to providing workers with the resources necessary to stay safe and healthy on the job.”

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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