News Brief
March 23, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA and Shipbuilders Council of America Alliance set goal of reducing and preventing shipyard hazards

WASHINGTON -- Electrocution and welding hot work hazards are among safety alerts addressed by a recently renewed alliance between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA).

The alerts, developed in conjunction with other Alliance Program participants, include "Electrocution and Shock Hazards in Shipyard Employment," "Welding and Other Hot Work Procedures in Shipyard Employment," and "Control of Hazardous Energy – Lockout/Tagout (LO/TO) Procedures in Shipyard Employment."

The Alliance's goal is to provide SCA members, employers and employees in the shipbuilding industry, including those with limited English speaking abilities, with information about shipyard safety and health hazards. Ergonomics, electrical and noise hazards also will be addressed.

"Our six-year alliance collaboration has produced products that provide recommendations and guidance for eliminating hazards experienced by shipyard workers," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Donald G. Shalhoub. "Together, we will work to advance OSHA's core mission of protecting the health of workers across the country through enforcement, training and outreach services."

"SCA welcomes the opportunity to renew our national alliance with OSHA. For the past six years, the SCA/OSHA partnership, through the Alliance Program, has provided the tools necessary to promote workplace safety and health initiatives important to the shipbuilding and repair industry," said Steve Welch, SCA chairman. "SCA looks forward to another productive two years."

SCA is a national trade association representing the U.S. shipyard industry and more than 35,000 of its employees who build and repair commercial vessels. The association's four committees are New Build, Ship Repair, Safety and Human Resources and Environmental.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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