OSHA to Enforce Safety in USVI Maritime Industry

M.A. Dworkin

The U.S. Department of Labor through an initiative from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reinforcing safety and health protections for workers in maritime industries throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through a local emphasis program. 

Designed to address high injury and illness rates within maritime industries, the OSHA initiative establishes inspections directed at maritime industries operating on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waterways during a five-year inspection plan.   

OSHA maritime inspections apply to industries engaged in shipbuilding and repair, boat building, marine cargo handling, shipping navigation services, port and harbor operations, other support activities for water transportation, and marinas conducting recreational boat repair.

Free, confidential assistance is available to improve workplace health and safety while promoting compliance with OSHA standards. Employers across Puerto Rico and the USVI should take advantage of the free on-site consultation services available now through the Puerto Rico OSHA Consultation Program and the U.S. Virgin Islands Safety in Paradise OSHA On-site Consultation Program. 

These services help small businesses identify workplace hazards, strengthen safety programs, and reduce injuries in the high-risk maritime industries.

For additional occupational and safety information, contact the OSHA Puerto Rico Area Office at 787-277-1560 or visit www.osha.gov.