The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and
The Shipyard Workers Union;
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Shipbuilders,
Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO
ANNUAL ALLIANCE REPORT
December 19, 2014
Alliance Background
Date Signed
July 9, 2013
Evaluation Period
July 9, 2013 - July 9, 2014
Overview
The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Shipyard Workers Union; International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Shipbuilders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO (The Shipyard Workers Union) recognized the need for increased hazard awareness in the shipbuilding and repair industry. The Shipyard Workers Union members and OSHA personnel developed the concept of forming this alliance in order to help both parties and others in the shipbuilding and repair industry develop a better understanding of unique hazards encountered in this industry. The parties determined that working together they could provide information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help protect employee health and safety in the shipyard industry. The Alliance focused on emergency response, confined spaces onboard ships, respirator use, toxic metals, personal protective equipment, and hydration issues.
Implementation Team Members
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Jack Reich
- Regional Labor Liaison, San Francisco Regional Office
- Jay Vicory
- Area Director, San Diego Area Office
The Shipyard Workers Union
- Robert Godinez
- President
Contributors
- Peter Wilsey
- Safety and Health Manager, San Francisco Regional Office
Implementation Team Meetings
The initial meeting was held at the Shipyard Workers Union office in National City, California on May 15, 2013. Robert Godinez, President and John Wilson, Safety Specialist, represented the Shipyard Workers Union. Jack Reich, Regional Labor Liaison and maritime expert represented OSHA. It was determined that the team should focus in the areas of emergency response, confined space work onboard ships, respirator use and exposure to toxic metals. In addition to the formal meeting, Mr. Godinez and Mr. Reich maintained regular contact throughout the reporting period to monitor the Alliance's progress and results. This was accomplished electronically, during telephone conversations, and in person at the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health held June 23-24, 2014.
Results
The Alliance focused on training and outreach opportunities between the Alliance members. The Alliance has enabled OSHA to connect with hard-to-reach workers who have the potential to be exposed to serious workplace hazards. The relationship fostered by this alliance has benefitted the efforts of OSHA and the Shipyard Workers Union in promoting worker safety and health. The following table summarizes the Alliance's activities in support of the goals in the Alliance agreement.
Date Type of Activity (Conference, Training, Print and Electronic Distribution, etc.) Number of Individuals Reached or Trained January 24, 2014 The OSHA Regional Administrator met with fifteen San Diego Shipyard Workers Union Officials. He provided an OSHA enforcement update as it pertained to ship building and repair. 15 July 2014 The Regional Labor Liaison provided assistance to the Shipyard Workers Union regarding an employer failing to provide adequate drinking water for workers onboard ships. Region IX also coordinated with Cal-OSHA high hazard unit at Santa Ana and District office San Diego to address this issue for shoreside workers. 3 TOTAL 18 Upcoming Milestones
During the second quarter of FY 2015, the Regional Labor Liaison will attend a Shipyard Workers Union membership meeting. The purpose is to hear directly from employees working at the deck plate level about safety and health issues they may be encountering. This will enable the Alliance to be tailored to address safety issues not previously identified. During the third quarter of FY 2015, the Regional Labor Liaison plans to work with the Shipyard Workers Union to develop an OSHA Quick Card addressing emergency response. During the fourth quarter of FY 2015, the Regional Labor Liaison will provide confined space training to union membership.