Trade Release
July 17, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

Marine terminal safety issues on the agenda at OSHA's Maritime Advisory Committee meeting

WASHINGTON - The Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) will meet Sept. 1-2, 2009, in Newport News, Va., to discuss injury and fatality data initiatives and defective containers, among other topics.

The Shipyard and Longshoring workgroups will meet Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The full committee meeting will convene Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workgroup and committee meetings will be held at the Newport News Marriott Hotel.

The committee advises the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA on issues relating to occupational safety and health policies, programs and standards in the maritime industries, focusing on the shipyard and marine cargo (longshoring) handling industries. The committee makes recommendations on issues related to reducing injuries and illnesses in the maritime industries, improving OSHA outreach and training programs through innovative partnerships, and expediting the development and dissemination of OSHA maritime standards.

Notice of the MACOSH meeting appears in the July 17, 2009, Federal Register.

Written comments for consideration by MACOSH should be submitted no later than Aug. 18, 2009, to Danielle Watson, Office of Maritime, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3609, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; telephone 202-693-1870; or fax to 202-693-1663.

Individuals with disabilities wishing to attend the meeting should contact Watson at 202-693-1870 no later than Aug. 18 to obtain accommodations. For general information, contact Amy Wangdahl, Office of Maritime, 202-693-2066.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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