Ergonomic Interventions in the Building, Repair, and Dismantling of Ships

Easy Fixes

Disclaimer: The Easy Fixes were photo-documented by project personnel during initial field surveys of both domestic and foreign shipyards. These Easy Fixes have not been evaluated or endorsed by NIOSH and are not expressions of NIOSH policy. They are intended to be used in advancing knowledge needed to protect workers.

Solutions at the Block Assembly Shop

• Grinding Overhead
• Netting for Shade

Solutions at the Building dock

• Carrying Paint Can
• Crane Use Scheduling
• Elevator Alongside Ship
• Elevated Awkward Postures
• Large Crane Capacity
• Lifting Paint Can
• Orderly Cable Storage
• Powered Lift Trucks
• Protective Hatch Cover
• Storage Locker for Welding Units

Solutions at the Fabrication Shop

• Adjustable Workstations
• Automatic Welders
• Plasma-cut Edges
• Poor Posture
• Roller Sections on Shears
• Welder's Kneepad

Miscellaneous Ergonomic Solutions

• Indoor Plateyard
• Process Improvement Board
• Tilting Water Bottle Cradle
• Yardbrooms

Solutions at the Outfitting Center

• Hatchguards
• Pre-assembling

Ergonomic Shipboard Solutions

• Adjustable Cable Spool Holder
• Portable Air Conditioning Units
• Wheeled Stool

Solutions at the Subassembly Shop

• Adjustable Work Surface
• Automatic Rib Welder
• Bent Welder Handle
• Cable Bridges
• Coiled Hammer Handle
• Forklift for Cable Spool
• Magnet Handle
• Mobile Wire Welder
• Modified Engine Stand
• Orderly Elevated Storage
• Robotic Welder
• Tilting Pallet Jack
• Welders on Booms
• Welding Leads on Pulleys