Maryland Injury Attorney Blog
This month, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated regulations protecting shipyard workers from work-related injuries. The new ruling reflects advancements in maritime industry technologies and practices. OSHA reports that its employment standards for shipyard workers had not been significantly updated since 1972.
As we can attest, Maryland waterfront work is dangerous business. There are many ways that Baltimore’s hard-working longshoremen can get hurt or killed, including slip and fall injuries, crane and forklift accidents, being hit by falling cargo, and drowning. The amended OSHA standards for waterfront workers in Baltimore, Md., and ports around the country address the following safety concerns:
- Adequate lighting for work spaces
- Checking on employees at the end of their shifts
- Control of hazardous energy
- Motor vehicle safety equipment, operation, and maintenance
- Accident prevention signs and tags
- Medical services, first aid, and sanitation
The new final rule on General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment goes into effect on August 1, 2011. OSHA reports the amended safety standards could potentially save hundreds of dock worker lives every year, by putting safety measures in place that can prevent fatal work accidents.
Related Maryland Injury Attorney article:
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) resources:
US Department of Labor issues final rule to protect shipyard workers: Rule reflects advances in industry practices and technology (press release)
General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment (website)
Regulatory Text (PDF)