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MACOSH Meeting Announced

SUMMARY: The Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) was established under Section 7 of the OSHAct of 1970 to advise the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on issues relating to occupational safety and health in the maritime industries. The purpose of this Federal Register notice is to announce the Committee and workgroup meetings scheduled for April 27, 2010 and April 29, 2010.

DATES: The Shipyard and Longshore workgroups will meet on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Committee will meet on Thursday, April 29, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The Committee and workgroups will meet at the Newport Marriott Hotel, 25 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, (401) 849-1000.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: MACOSH meetings are open to the public. Interested persons are invited to attend the MACOSH meeting at the time and location listed above. The MACOSH agenda will include: An OSHA activities update; a review of the minutes from the previous meeting; and reports from each workgroup. MACOSH may also discuss the following topics based on the workgroup reports: Arc flash guidance; confined spaces and fall protection in commercial fishing; scaffolding and falls (29 CFR part 1915 subpart E); traffic lane and safety zone quick card; speed limits in marine terminals; container rail safety guidance; and stuck cone safety guidance.

Proposed Revision to HexChrom Exposure Notification Requirements

Today, OSHA proposed a revision to its 2006 HexChrom Standard. The proposed change pertains to exposure notification requirements - specifically, informing employees of ALL exposure assessments regardless of whether the results exceed the established permissible exposure limit (PEL).

Court Case and Lead-Up
As you know, on February 28, 2006, OSHA published its final rule for Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)). A lawsuit challenged the Agency for review of several issues with the standard. The court denied all but one issue, granting review of the employee notification requirements in the standard's exposure determination provisions. In other words, the court mandated that OSHA provide an explanation for its decision to limit employee notification requirements to circumstances in which Cr(VI) exposures exceed the PEL. Consequently, today OSHA proposed a revision of the notification requirements, by means of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), that would require employers to notify employees of the results of all exposure determinations.

Discussion of Proposed Changes
2006 NPRM Standard (Current Standard) - Paragraph (d) of the Chromium standard (29 CFR 1915.1026) is titled "Exposure Determination'' and requires employers to determine the 8-hour time- weighted-average exposure for each employee exposed to Cr(VI). As originally promulgated, paragraph (d)(4) required the employer to notify affected employees of any exposure determinations indicating exposures in excess of the PEL. The employer can satisfy this requirement either by posting the exposure determination results in an appropriate location accessible to all affected employees or by notifying each affected employee in writing of the results of the exposure determination. Under the general maritime standard, notice has to be provided within 5 work days.

Today's NPRM - This standard would have required employers notify affected employees of all exposure determinations, irrespective of the results. This broader, proposed notice requirement mirrors similar provisions in OSHA's other substance-specific health standards, for example lead. OSHA is not proposing to change any other requirements in the exposure determination or notification provisions.

OSHA Reasoning
Notifying employees of their exposures arms them with knowledge that can permit and encourage them to be more proactive in working safely to control their own exposures through better work practices and by more actively participating in safety programs. This may be of particular significance for welders, who make up almost half of the employees affected by the chromium standard.

Why this NPRM is Unique
OSHA is publishing this proposed rule along with what is called a companion direct final rule (DFR). The comment period for the proposed rule runs concurrently with that of the direct final rule. If OSHA receives a significant adverse comment, the Agency will publish a timely withdrawal of the DFR and proceed with this NPRM.


A link to the Federal Register notice can be found here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-5731.htm.

OSHA Norifies 15,00 Workplaces

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration surveys employers to collect workplace injury and illness data it uses to identify employers whose injury and illness rates are considerably higher than the national average. A letter has been sent to about 15,000 workplaces with the highest numbers of injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activities or job transfers, known as the DART rate. 
“Receipt of this letter means that workers in that particular establishment are being injured at a higher rate than in most other businesses of its kind in the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “Employers whose businesses have injury and illness rates this high need to take immediate steps to protect their workers.” 
Employers receiving the letters also were provided copies of their injury and illness data, along with a list of the most frequently cited OSHA standards for their specific industry. The letter offered assistance in helping to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by suggesting, among other things, the use of OSHA’s free safety and health consultation services for small businesses provided through the states.  
OSHA identified businesses with the nation’s highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses through employer-reported data from a 2009 survey of about 100,000 worksites. (This survey collected injury and illness data for calendar year 2008.) Workplaces receiving notifications had DART rates more than twice the national average among all U.S. workplaces. 
OSHA’s consultation program is available to assist in addressing safety and health in the workplace for employers with 250 or fewer workers. This program is administered by a state agency and operated separately from OSHA’s enforcement program. The service is free and confidential, and there are no fines even if problems are found. Designed for small employers, the consultation program can help an employer identify hazards while finding effective and economical solutions for repairing them. In addition, the OSHA state consultant can assist in developing and implementing a safety and health management system for the workplace. 
A list of the employers receiving the letter is available on OSHA’s public Web site at https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/foia/hot_16.html. A list of OSHA’s consultation services is available at https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/consult.html.
 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 assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, education and assistance.  For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Jo-Kell - World Class Supplier

VSRA Member receives important award

Chesapeake, VA (January 18, 2010) - Jo-Kell Inc., a local electrical distribution and engineering company  was recognized for their outstanding performance and support of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Socio-Economic Business Programs (SEBP).  The award was presented on December 4, 2009  at the company's annual recognition event in Redondo Beach, California. Jo-Kell CEO, Suzy Kelly and President, Marty Kelly were proud to accept the award at the event. 
Northrop Grumman annually recognizes companies with the World Class Supplier Award who consistently demonstrate responsiveness and flexibility to help meet Northrop Grumman's needs with a high quality of work, on-time delivery, outstanding cost management and reliable  performance.
"It is an to honor to receive this prestigious award from Northrop Grumman", said Jo-Kell CEO Suzy Kelly.  "Jo-Kell is grateful to be  recognized for the hard work, dedication and commitment of our  employees. Our company's primary focus is to provide high-quality  products, systems and superior customer service", Kelly added.
Jo-Kell is one of only a few LEAN Certified suppliers for Northrop Grumman Newport News. LEAN  incorporates principles of identifying value, eliminating waste and improving processes. 

VSRA - ASNE DINNER 3/17/2010

VSRA is partnering with the American Society of Naval Engineers to co-sponsor a dinner on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, beginning at 6:00 PM.  The dinner will be held at the Springhill Suites on Newtown Road, Norfolk. 

The speaker will be Peggy Harrell, Assistant Deputy Commander, Regional Maintenance Centers, Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 04Y).  Details of the dinner, as well as the speakers bio, can be see on the VSRA - ASNE March Dinner Flyer.

Register at http://www.asne-tw.org/.  This will certainly be very well attended, so make your reservations early.

2010 National Ship Repair Industry Conference UPDATE

Conference UPDATE - The 2010 National Ship Repair Industry Conference will be held March 1-4, 2010 at the Embassy Suites, Crystal City.  The organizing ship repair associations, in partnership with the Shipbuilders Council of America, have will follow the same format of the conference. as last year  Attendees will meet with Navy leaders on the first day of the conference and the second day with members of Congress.  The basic agenda is: 

  • Monday, March 1st               Travel / Opening Evening Reception sponsored by Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association
  • Tuesday, March 2nd           Navy Day at Embassy Suites
  • Wednesday, March 3rd     Hill Day / Evening Hill Reception sponsored by VSRA
  • Thursday, March 4th          Workforce Summit (8:00-10:00) @ Embassy Suites

The specifics of the agenda for both days is being developed.  Invitations have been sent to Navy and Congressional leaders.  The following Navy leasders have already accepted:

Admiral Gary Roughead, CNO

VADM Kevin McCoy, COMNAVSEA

RADM Joe Campbell, SEA04

RDML Jim McManamon, SEA21

RDML Tom Moore, OPNAV N43B

Ms. Peggy Harrell,, SEA04Y

RADM Ostebo, CG-4, US Coast Guard

CAPT Mark Butt, CO, USCG Surface Logistics Center

RADM(ret) Craig Bone, ABS

Kevin Baetsen, MCS Director of Engineering

More to come.  We again expect a very impressive array of both military leaders and congressional representatives will be addressing the conference.  You should not miss this opportunity.

 2010 NSRIC Registration Form  should be completed and sent to SCA, along with your registration fee.  Please note that VSRA members fee is $300 (same last year).  Attendees who are not members of one of the partner SRA's or SCA will be charged a $350 registration fee.

Rooms have been arranged at the Embassy Suites.  To make your reservations, call 1-800-EMBASSY or log on to www.embassysuites.com .  Use SBC as the group code.  This will get a contracted rate of $240 plus tax, which is a reduction from last year.  These contracted rate rooms will be available until midnight on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

Learn How to Help Restore Bay Underwater Grasses

Bay Needs Volunteers to Help Restore Underwater Grasses
 
WHAT – The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) will sponsor workshops to teach citizen volunteers how to grow underwater bay grasses at home for future planting. CBF will provide all necessary instruction and materials; a $40 materials fee will be charged. Later this spring, the grasses will be planted in the James River as part of a larger effort to restore underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Growing underwater grasses is an easy, interesting way to help restore the Chesapeake Bay and is an excellent activity for families, schools, and businesses. Space in the workshop is limited; those interested in participating should register in advance at www.cbf.org/grasses.
 
WHERE/WHEN
–        Virginia Beach: (Sunday) February 7, 2010, 10:00am – 12:30pm
–        Newport News: (Monday) February 8, 2010, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
–        Portsmouth: (Monday) February 8, 2010, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
 
WHY – Bay grasses are vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  Underwater grasses oxygenate the water, trap sediments, absorb pollution, and provide food and homes for young fish, crabs, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Only about 25 percent of the Bay’s original 200,000-plus acres of underwater grasses remain, however, largely because of water pollution.  Restoration of this vital resource is critical to saving the Bay. Citizens can help by volunteering with CBF to grow underwater grasses and plant them in appropriate areas of our Bay’s rivers.

DOD Releases Important Funding Proposals

DOD Releases Defense Reviews, 2011 Budget Proposal, and 2010 War Funding Supplemental Request  
                President Barack Obama today sent to Congress a proposed defense budget of $708 billion for fiscal 2011. The budget request for the Department of Defense (DoD) includes $549 billion in discretionary budget authority to fund base defense programs and $159 billion to support overseas contingency operations (OCO), primarily in Afghanistan and Iraq. This proposal continues the reform agenda established in last year's DoD budget request and builds on the initiatives identified by the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) and 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense Review (BMDR).
                The QDR examines DoD strategies and priorities. It assesses the threats and challenges that the nation faces and re-balances DoD's strategies, capabilities, and forces to ensure the U.S. military has the flexibility to address today's conflicts and tomorrow's threats.  The BMDR evaluates the ballistic missile threat to the U.S. and its allies and articulates policy. It determines the appropriate role of ballistic missile defense in the country's national security and military strategies.
                "The fiscal 2011 budget request builds on the reforms begun in last year's defense budget," said Defense Secretary Robert Gates. "These substantial changes to allocate defense dollars more wisely and reform the department's processes were broadened and deepened by the analysis and conclusions contained in the Quadrennial Defense Review."
                The fiscal 2011 base budget request represents an increase of $18 billion over the $531 billion enacted for fiscal 2010. This is an increase of 3.4 percent, or 1.8 percent real growth after adjusting for inflation. The DoD needs modest real growth to maintain, train, and equip the forces that sustain our wartime efforts.
                The fiscal 2011 OCO request will provide additional resources needed to sustain U.S. forces in Operation Enduring Freedom – in Afghanistan and elsewhere – and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Included are funds for pay and benefits, logistics and other support, force protection, continuing efforts to counteract improvised explosive devices, as well as funding to fully support the buildup in Afghanistan and to carry out a responsible drawdown in Iraq.
                "The choices made and priorities set in these budget requests and strategic defense reviews reflect America's commitment to succeed in the wars we are in while making the investments necessary to prepare for threats on or beyond the horizon," said Gates. 
                Also accompanying the 2011 budget proposal is a fiscal 2010 supplemental request of $33 billion to support the added costs of the President's new strategy in Afghanistan and strengthen U.S. force levels with approximately 30,000 additional troops. 
                "To make sure we have the resources needed to support our troops deploying to the Afghanistan theater, I will be asking the Congress to enact the supplemental by spring 2010," said Gates.
                Key highlights of the proposed DoD budget are outlined in the attached summary and charts. For more information and to view the entire fiscal 2011 budget proposal, please visit http://www.budget.mil and download the "FY 2011 Budget Request Overview Book." 
                The 2010 QDR and BMDR are available online at www.defense.gov/DefenseReviews. 
                Transcripts from applicable budget and strategic defense review briefings can also be viewed at www.defense.gov/transcripts.
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

Vision Hampton Roads Released for Comments

From the Hampton Roads Partnership.  VSRA has been directly involved in the drafting of the Vision. Dana Dickens, President of the Partnership amd author of the below, will be our guest speaker on January 19th for our monthly Membership Luncheon.
'The Vision Hampton Roads document (draft) was released Tuesday (1/5). This begins the 30-day public comment period required by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). You can view/download the document, i.e., our regional roadmap, at http://VisionHamptonRoads.com.  We encourage you to take the Public Comment Survey.
During the next 30 days, the plan will appear on the Hampton Roads Partnership's websites. We are encouraging the 17 local governments, 3 partner organizations (i.e., Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, and Hampton Roads Research Partnership) and others to post and pass along the link as well. We're depending on your word-of-mouth (and email) to create meaningful public participation in order to promote democracy and civic engagement, build public trust in government and enhance credibility within the community.
The Vision document is the product of over eight months of work, involving over 150 volunteers who served on one or more of the 5 committees/sub-committees established to develop or oversee the plan. Presentations have been and will continue to be made during this period to organizations and local government leaders. News media outlets have already and will continue to post editorials and articles or air interviews focused on Vision Hampton Roads.
A Public Responsiveness Summary will follow the 30-day comment period, showing respondents how their feedback impacts the plan. In early February, the final document will be developed for final review, approval and submission to the EDA.
I look forward to your comments on the draft via the Public Comment Survey and to the opportunities ahead as we align the region’s localities and organizations to embrace and work toward a common, cooperative vision (and goal) for Hampton Roads.
The document is lengthy, but I invite you to read it and offer your feedback. The critical phase of plan implementation will follow this first step in the process. A suggested approach to plan implementation is featured in the Tactical section of the plan. Vision Hampton Roads will define the work of the Partnership going forward. It will also provide Partnership Board members with the opportunity to become more actively engaged through a committee/task force structure that will transform our organization into becoming more Board-driven.
Vision planning has placed Hampton Roads on a path to regional transformation by embedding a working process in all that we do... to think, live and act regionally."

Small Shipyard Assistance Grants - APPLY NOW!

Today, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced its grant solicitation for the Small Shipyard Assistance Program, funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 (Minibus) at $14,700,000.

The shipyard facility for which a grant is sought must be in a single geographical location, located in or near a maritime community, and may not have more than 1,200 production employees. The applicant must be the operating company of the shipyard facility. The shipyard facility must construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 40 ft. in length or greater, for commercial or government use.
Eligible Projects:
Capital and related improvement projects that will be effective in fostering efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration; and training projects that will be effective in fostering employee skills and enhancing productivity. For capital improvement projects all items proposed for funding must be new and to be owned by the applicant. For both capital improvement and training projects all project costs, including the recipients share, must be incurred after the date of the grant agreement.

See the Federal Register notice of the Assistance to Small Shipyards Grant Program.

NOTE: The announcement states that the period for submitting grant applications commenced on December 16, 2009, the day the Minibus was passed. This is due to language in the Minibus that read, "...a qualified shipyard shall submit an application for assistance no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act." In reality, MARAD needed administrative time to prepare the solicitation, leaving a submittal period of just over a month from today, the day it was announced publicly in the Federal Register.

Key Dates: The period for submitting grant applications, as mandated by statute, commenced on December 16, 2009 and will terminate on February 16, 2010. The applications must be received by the Maritime Administration by 5 p.m. EST on February 16, 2010. Applications received later than this time will not be considered. The Maritime Administration intends to award grants no later than April 15, 2010.

Funding Opportunity: Section 54101 of Title 46, United States Code, and the section entitled ``Assistance to Small Shipyards'' in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), provide that the Maritime Administration shall establish an assistance program for small shipyards. Under this program, there is currently $14,700,000 available for grants for capital and related improvements for qualified shipyard facilities that will be effective in fostering efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration. ($300,000 of the $15,000,000 appropriated for the program is reserved for program administration.) Such grants may not be used to construct buildings or other physical facilities or to acquire land unless such use is specifically approved by the Maritime Administration as being consistent with and supplemental to capital and related infrastructure improvements. Grant funds may also be used for maritime training programs to foster technical skills and operational productivity in communities whose economies are related to or dependent upon the maritime industry. Grants for such training programs may only be awarded to ``Eligible Applicants'' as described below but training programs can be established through vendors to such applicants.