USA: OSHA Inks Alliance with the Shipyard Workers Union

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has forged an alliance with the Shipyard Workers Union to promote workplace safety and health, provide guidance and training programs for shipyard workers and raise awareness of hazardous operations onboard ships during building and repair periods.

Through the alliance, OSHA and the Shipyard Workers Union will work jointly to develop effective training and education programs for shipyard workers and OSHA personnel. The alliance will focus on emergency response, confined spaces onboard ships, respirator use and toxic metals.

“This alliance affirms our commitment to ensure that shipyard workers have a safe and healthy workplace,” said Jay Vicory, director of OSHA’s San Diego Area Office. “We have a tremendous opportunity here to prevent accidents and injuries and reduce hazards associated with work at shipyards.”

The alliance was signed at the offices of the Shipyard Workers Union in San Diego by Vicory and Robert Godinez, the union’s president.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces 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.

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Press Release, July 22, 2013