Region 6 News Release:   USDL-OSHA-01-38-4-20
Friday, April 20, 2001
Contact: Diana Petterson
Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222

OSHA, SHIPBUILDERS COUNCIL OF AMERICA FORM LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT SHIPBUILDING WORKSITES IN HOUSTON

DALLAS - Shipbuilders safety and health in Houston will be enhanced by a landmark partnership between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Shipbuilders Council of American (SCA), Houston Area. The partnership signing takes place 11 a.m., April 23 at the OSHA Houston South area office at 17625 El Camino Real, Suite 400 in Houston.

The objective of the agreement is to prevent serious accidents within the shipbuilding industry through increased training and enhanced safety and health programs.

The SCA is the national trade association representing the shipyard industry that builds, repairs and services all types of military and commercial vessels. SCA represents 50 shipyard companies that own and operate over 120 shipyards in 23 states. Seven members are in the greater Houston area and they operate 20 shipyards.

OSHCON will provide assistance in safety and health program enhancement to eligible employers who request it. OSHA will conduct inspections to verify that the employer's performance under the agreement will focus on eliminating amputations, falls, electrical hazards, confined spaces hazards, lead and silica over-exposures, and other sources of injuries.

Establishing partnerships with the private sector to improve safety and health is one of OSHA's major goals. While participation in the partnership is voluntary, OSHA anticipates that employers will experience a decrease in workplace accidents and illnesses and a decrease in worker compensation costs.

"The partnership will help OSHA to achieve its strategic goal of reducing injuries and illnesses in the shipbuilding industry," said Ray Skinner, OSHA area director in Houston. "Additionally, the partnership should provide a higher level of employee safety and health training."

For more information, contact the OSHA South office at (281) 286-0583, OSHA North office at (281) 591-2438 or the Shipbuilders Council of America at (703) 351-6734.