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OSHA Evaluating VPP (Voluntary Protection Programs)

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced that it will address problems identified in its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) in response to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs: Improved Oversight and Controls Would Better Ensure Program Quality. The report recommends improved oversight and additional controls to ensure participating companies maintain effective workplace safety and health management systems.

OSHA also has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its VPP and Alliance Program to determine how the agency should best allocate its resources among cooperative programs, enforcement and the agency’s other activities.

Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab said he agrees with recommendations made in the GAO report. GAO’s analysis recommended that OSHA strengthen the program’s oversight activity, documentation and other aspects of program operations and impact to ensure consistency and adherence to existing OSHA policies and procedures. VPP participation encompasses more than 2,200 worksites covering more than 800,000 workers.

“We will thoroughly review the VPP and Alliance Program to determine their effectiveness as well as review the programs’ roles in helping the agency promote the safety and health of America’s workers,” said Barab.

He noted that OSHA had not adequately addressed the findings of the GAO’s 2004 report, OSHA’s Voluntary Compliance Strategies Show Promising Results, But Should Be Fully Evaluated Before They Are Expanded. “The report noted that OSHA had not fully evaluated the effectiveness of its cooperative programs and was therefore ‘limited in its ability to make a sound decision about how best to allocate its resources,’” said Barab.  “Our evaluation of these programs in the context of OSHA’s limited resources will help ensure that OSHA will be able to reprioritize these resources in the most effective manner.”

To address the most recent GAO report’s findings and recommendations about the VPP, OSHA will review and address problems including program management and oversight policies and procedures; documentation policy for actions taken in response to fatalities and serious injuries at VPP sites; and goals and performance measures for the VPP and internal OSHA controls that ensure consistent compliance with VPP policies by the agency’s regional offices.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach and education.  For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

MARINE SAFETY ALERT - COMPACT FLORESCENT LIGHTS

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Alert concerning Compact Florescent Lights and interference with certain communications systems.  The CFL Safety Alert  is available here.

Anti-War Protest Activity in Hampton Roads - June 22 - 26

The following inforation was received from the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis and is posted for your information and action as appropriate:

The Catholic Worker Movement in Norfolk is planning an anti-war walking protest in Hampton Roads 22-26 Jun 09.  The group plans to begin protesting at Camp Peary and work their way down the Peninsula, into Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and end in Norfolk.  The initial list of protest locations/days is as follows:
        DAY 1 (June 22)
             Camp Peary
             NWS Yorktown
             Fort Eustis
        DAY 2 (June 23)
             Langley AFB
             NGNN Newport News (shipyard)
        DAY 3 (June 24)
             DoD Contractor Facilities in North Suffolk
             JFCOM Facility in North Suffolk
             NNSY Portsmouth
        DAY 4 (June 25)
             Fort Story
             NAS Oceana
             Dam Neck Annex
        DAY 5 (June 26)
             NAB Little Creek
             NAVSTA Norfolk
The group plans to conduct some form of anti-war vigil in front of all of the above facilities.  The number of individuals participating is currently unknown.  However, this protest activity has the potential to affect every DoD facility in the region.
The Catholic Workers have a history of military protests and members of this organization have been arrested several times, most recently at NAS Oceana last fall. 
Although these types of demonstrations are generally peaceful or nonviolent, they are assessed to present a potential domestic Force Protection issue.  While the protests staged by anti-war and anti-military groups/organizations are legal, the controversial nature of the protests tends to invoke counter protests and creates a hostile environment that could easily evolve into violence.
There is generally an overwhelming support provided to the US military in the local community; however the potential exists for a spontaneous, unprovoked attack against either the demonstrators or pro-US Military persons. 
Please inform your Soldiers, civilians, and family members of the potential for protests.  Instruct them to avoid these events and not to interact with these individuals in any way.  If they do come into contact with these protesters and are harassed or assaulted in any way, they should immediately report the incident to the Military Police or local police.  The single best preventive measure is to AVOID the areas where anti-war and/or similar protests are projected to or are actually taking place.  If you witness a suspicious incident in your community, at work, or while commuting you should report it to Law Enforcement immediately.
Ensure that personnel are advised that the practice of OPSEC is critical in protecting the integrity of the operations and missions, and as a result protects the lives of the Soldiers, family members, and community.

House Panel to Discuss Anti-Fouling Hull Paint

A House Transportation and Infrastructure panel this week will discuss regulating anti-fouling paint, a material that prevents algae and barnacles from growing on ships' hulls but that can be toxic to marine life.

The Senate in September ratified an international treaty banning the use of harmful chemicals in anti-fouling paints, but Congress has yet to pass legislation that would allow U.S. regulators to enforce the provision.

Stephen Johnson, U.S. EPA administrator under the Bush administration, sent a legislative proposal on the matter to Congress in February 2008. The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on Wednesday will review the proposal and ensure it aligns with the views of the Obama administration, a House Democratic aide said.

The hearing will also "address the lessons learned from the past and how [the treaty] will address the safety of hull paints in the future," according to the committee.

Officials from EPA and the Coast Guard -- the agencies that would enforce the provision -- have been invited to testify.

The accumulation of mollusks and algae on ships' hulls can have significant economic impacts, slowing vessels down and increasing their fuel consumption.

Anti-fouling paints contain pesticides that prevent the organisms from latching on, but the metallic compounds in many of the paints linger in the water, damaging the environment, killing other sealife and possibly entering the food chain, according to the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency that initiated the treaty.

One of the most popular anti-fouling paints contains the compound tributyltin, which has been shown to cause deformities in oysters and sex changes in whelks. The treaty prohibits the use of the compound and mandates the removal of the paints from hulls.

Ships may use alternative paints that do not contain the compound, or slippery, biocide-free nonstick coatings that prevent fouling and make the hull easier to clean when fouling occurs, IMO said.

Schedule: The hearing is Wednesday, June 10, at 2 p.m. in 2167 Rayburn.

Witnesses: TBA.

OHSA Shipyard Industry Standards Booklet

The updated Shipyard Industry Standards booklet is not available online. This new version includes sections on fire protection, HexChrom and employer payment for PPE. See OSHA's press release below. Link to the PDF version here: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_shipyard_industry.pdf.   
OSHA News Release
May 26, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999 
WASHINGTON -- Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment, contamination issues related to Hexavalent Chromium and Employer Payment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are three additions to the Shipyard Industry Standards, a revised guidance document recently published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides employers and workers with an overview of all safety and health standards associated with the shipyard industry. 
The standard's Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment subpart includes sections on implementing a fire safety plan, fire watches and fire response. The payment for personal protective equipment section advises employers of their obligation to provide PPE for workers at no cost to them. Hexavalent chromium has been added to the list of air contaminants whose concentrations should not exceed stated exposure levels. 
"The Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health recommended that OSHA update and republish the shipyard and longshoring industry digests," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "The revised document is now up-to-date with current standards and will continue to serve as another resource for protecting the safety and health of shipyard workers." 
Shipyard Industry Standards revises the existing Shipyard Industry Digest and incorporates new shipyard employment requirements that have been developed and finalized since the booklet was last published in 1998. It lists the guidelines for safety and health programs in the industry and incorporates topics such as management commitment; employee participation; hazard identification, assessment and control; and program evaluation. 
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

2009 Tradesmen of the Year Honored

Before an overflow crowd of over 450 attendees, the 2009 Ship Repair Tradesmen of the Year were honored during National Maritime Day ceremonies in Norfolk.  With the NOAA survey ship Thomas Jefferson as the backdrop, the festivities were held at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on the sunny, warm day Friday, May 22nd.
This was the third year that the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation has honored a Junior and Senior tradesman.  Nineteen very worthy nominations were received for the two awards. Nominees came from one of the 193 member companies of the Virginia Ship Repair Association.  The winners were judged by a panel of industry experts on their level of professional expertise, leadership qualities, safety records, quality of work, outside recognition and community service.  The competition was stiff, the choices very difficult.
The nominees for the Junior award were workers who has less than 5 years experience, demonstrates a high degree of motivation, eagerness to learn, and the potential to become master level tradesman.  The 2009 Junior Tradesman of the Year is Jeffrey W. Daley from AMSEC LLC.  Jeffrey is a Mechanic Tradesperson II from the AMSEC Elevator Support Unit. He works in the Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center and maintains shipboard aircraft elevators and cargo handling systems. He has performed superbly, especially in situations that require interface with several crews. He expertly trains active duty personnel on systems. operations. He was personally commended by Navy leadership for his exceptional work, proficiency and dependability in harsh working conditions for aircraft elevator stanchion and lock repair on the USS Enterprise, as well as Enterprise Assessment Support. During his precious free time, he volunteers with the Salvation Army and Veteran’s organizations. 
The nominees for the Senior award were trade workers with five or more years of experience who are actively engaged in their trade and stand well above their peers in expertise and mentorship, while performing at the highest level of quality in their work.  The 2009 Senior Tradesman of the Year is Robert F. Hughes. Robert is a Shipfitter Specialist from BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair where he has been employed since 1973. He began his career as an apprentice shipfitter and later supported the company’s apprentice program as an instructor. His extraordinary level of proficiency results in him routinely receiving the most challenging assignments. Recently he was the lead mechanic for the MV-22 alterations on the LHA/LHD class of helicopter carriers. He completed the first alteration on the USS Kearsarge which immediately established the benchmark for subsequent MV-22 alterations. As a result of his strong leadership, the team reduced the man hours by 20% on the USS Nassau. Not satisfied with past performance, he devised a prefabrication method that saved even more time and money on the USS Iwo Jima installation. This is but one example of his setting the standard for installations and alterations. Even more valuable is the mentorship he has consistently shown with apprentices, many of whom have risen to Supervisors and Superintendents with the knowledge he has imparted to them. Off the job, he serves his community and was the Firefighter of the Year at Station #1 in Chesapeake. His community service doesn’t’ stop there – he supports the United Way, Junior Olympics, Junior League, CHKD, Red Cross and the Louise Eggleston Center. 
Both our awardees will be further recognized in June at our Virginia Ship Repair Association monthly membership luncheon.
Our sincere congratulations go to all the nominees who were singled out from some 24,000 trades professionals.  They are truly "The Strength Behind the Fleet."
 

Congressman to Navy - Produce Shipbuilding Plan

Washington, D.C. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he and seven Members of the House Armed Services Committee have filed H.Res. 477, a resolution of inquiry to direct the Secretary of Defense to produce an annual shipbuilding plan as required by law. 
The legislation comes in response to the testimony of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead before the House Armed Services Committee on May 14 of this year, in which he stated that the Navy would not submit a congressionally-mandated 30-year shipbuilding report with its fiscal year 2010 budget request as it was required to do by law. Failure to submit the annual plan is unprecedented.   
"At a time when China is rapidly closing the 23-ship gap between their navy and ours, and at a time when our Navy is operating with $4.6 billion in unmet requirements, Americans would be shocked to know that the Department of Defense cannot or will not produce a key plan for the future of our naval fleet," Forbes said. "Amidst restructuring at the Department of Defense, it is unacceptable to argue our nation can rely on last year's shipbuilding plan. This year's annual report is even more critical in light of last year's shipbuilding plan which revealed a shocking 44% increase in the Navy's estimated average annual cost to implement its 30-year plan to achieve a 313-ship Navy." 
Concerns about the Navy's ability to afford its long-range shipbuilding plan, combined with fluctuating year-to-year changes in Navy shipbuilding objectives and significant cost growth have led to strong concerns among some Members about the status of Navy shipbuilding and the potential future size and capabilities of the fleet. 
Section 231 of Title 10 of the US Code requires the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual shipbuilding plan that details the long-term shipbuilding strategy of the Department of Defense as part of each year's budget request.  Congress first mandated an annual shipbuilding plan in 2003 as part of the FY2004 budget.   
H.Res. 477 has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee.  A resolution of inquiry is a rare legislative tool that seeks factual information from the executive branch. It is a privileged resolution and, as such, the committee has only 14 legislative days in which to consider the measure before it can be called before the full House. Eight Members of the House Armed Services Committee have currently cosponsored H.Res. 477.   
Congressman Forbes is Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee. For more information on his work on defense issues, visit http://forbes.house.gov/issues/defense.htm.
 

National Maritime Day Proclamation

President Obama Issues National Maritime Day Proclamation 
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
 Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of security and prosperity. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, and criss-crossed by a myriad of inland waterways, America's destiny as a maritime nation was a story foretold.
The Merchant Marine took up arms alongside the Continental Navy to help defeat the British Navy during the American Revolution. Since then, they have served bravely as the United States has faced threats ranging from war to piracy, and our seafaring fleet has proven instrumental in protecting our safety. In times of conflict and crisis, the Armed Forces rely on the Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport critical equipment and supplies. Time and again, mariners have demonstrated their willingness and ability to meet daunting challenges.
Waterways have also enabled much of the commerce that has expanded America's economy. Domestic and international commerce occurred along rivers and coasts even before our Nation's birth. Great cities have sprouted near waterways, and maritime activity remains crucial to our economy today.
The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the many other workers who have supported the maritime industry have made significant contributions to our leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security.
On this National Maritime Day, we also mark the opening of a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, "On the Water." It demonstrates the importance of the maritime industry and chronicles our history as a maritime nation.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2009, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA

DOT Announces Funding Availability and Comment Solicitation

**Below please find information on today's DOT solicitation for grants for capital investments to transportation infrastructure. Although the funding is only available to state and local governments, the information could be useful for discussions you may have with state and local decision makers regarding intermodal transportation, port related or bridge projects.

ACTION: Interim Notice of Funding Availability, Request for Comments: Interim Notice of Funding Availability for Supplemental Discretionary Grants for Capital Investments in Surface Transportation Infrastructure Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

SUMMARY: On February 17, 2009, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Recovery Act'') to, among other purposes, (1) preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery, (2) invest in transportation infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits, and (3) assist those most affected by the current economic downturn. The Recovery Act appropriated $1.5 billion of discretionary grant funds to be awarded by the Department of Transportation (the "Department'') for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure. The Department is referring to these grants as "Grants for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery'' or TIGER Discretionary Grants.''

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: This notice requests that applications for TIGER Discretionary Grants be submitted by September 15, 2009, from State and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, other political subdivisions of State or local governments, and multi-State or multi-jurisdictional applicants ("Eligible Applicants''). The Department will evaluate all applications and announce the projects that have been selected to receive Grant Funds as soon as possible after the Application Deadline, but no later than February 17, 2010. The funds provided by TIGER Discretionary Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area, or a region.

Because this is a new program, this notice also requests comments on the proposed selection criteria and guidance for awarding TIGER Discretionary Grants. The Department will take all comments into consideration and may publish a supplemental notice revising some elements of this notice. If the Department determines that no substantive changes need to be made in this notice, the Department will respond to all comments when it publishes a Federal Register notice announcing the successful applications. If substantive changes are necessary, the Department will publish a supplemental Federal Register notice and request for applications by June 17, 2009. Depending on the nature of the comments and the number of initial applications received, the Department may award funds based on the initial applications without publishing a supplemental notice. In addition, in the event that this solicitation does not result in the award and obligation of all available funds, the Department may decide to publish an additional solicitation.

Comments must be received by June 1, 2009. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

Please see the Federal Register on DOT Funding Availability . This notice includes all background information, details, and contact information.

Fleet Forces Surface Ship Maintenance Program Briefed

The membership of VSRA had the privilege to hear and address from the Navy's Fleet Forces Command Surface Ship Maintenance Program Manager at their monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, April 21st.  Captain Mike Stanton provided a current and comprehensive presentation on the state of the Navy's surface ship maintenance program.

With about 150 member company representatives in attendance, the information was welcome and very timely.  As an integral partner in maintaining the Navy's surface fleet, the provate sector shipyards and their sub-contractors were most attentive to Captain Stanton's perspective, as well as his comprehensive look at the way ahead.

Captain Stanton has made his presentation available for review. 

USFF N431 Presentation - April 21, 2009