OSHA announces renewed focus on maritime safety

High injury and illness rates among maritime workers has prompted Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis to reestablish the charter of OSHA's Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. OSHA announced the decision in early January.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels said the decision will allow the panel to continue advising OSHA on ways to protect workers in the maritime industry.

The committee consists of approximately 15 members who are industry professionals. It may advise Michaels on issues such as:

Rulemaking to update regulatory requirements.
Development of guidance and outreach materials tailored to specific sectors of the industry.
Other activities to help reduce work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses of shipyard, long shoring, and marine terminal workers.

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The committee may also provide advice on areas OSHA decides to pursue or expand to address particular needs of its maritime program. The committee's meetings are open to the public and are announced in the Federal Register.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

January 24, 2011

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