OSHA, Shipyard Workers Union sign alliance to protect workers in Southern California shipyards

SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has signed an alliance with the local Shipyard Workers Union to promote workplace safety and health, provide guidance and training programs for workers, and raise awareness of hazardous operations on ships during building and repair periods. The alliance will benefit an estimated 1,600 Southern California shipyard workers.

“Our alliance with the Shipyard Workers Union sets the foundation to reduce worker illness and injuries, and remind employers and workers alike of the hazardous nature of the shipyard industry operations in the Greater San Diego area,” said Andrea J. Reid, director of OSHA’s San Diego area office. “Together, we hope our efforts ensure that workers adhere to the best safety practices.”

The alliance calls on OSHA and the SWU to develop vocation-specific hazard awareness training and education programs for shipyard workers and OSHA personnel. After signing the alliance, union officials completed 30 hours of OSHA training on maritime workplace safety to prepare them to conduct worksite safety surveys.

OSHA’s Alliance Program works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. Each alliance seeks to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

To learn more about this alliance, contact OSHA’s Southern California area office at 619-557-5030.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the nearest OSHA Area Office.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful working conditions 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 http://www.osha.gov.