Local News in Brief : Shipyard Begins Safety Programs
The Long Beach Naval Shipyard is acting to correct some longstanding safety problems that led to an unsatisfactory rating by Navy inspectors early this year.
Shipyard managers said that an internal safety office is conducting a detailed inspection of major buildings and that an industrial hygienist Thursday began a monthlong inspection. Among other administrative programs initiated to enforce safety regulations is establishment of a hot line to the yard’s safety office so employees can easily report hazards.
“There is a concerted effort to look at (safety) and give it top priority,” said Joe Walsh, a union safety official who had complained that shipyard managers were ignoring his warnings about hazards.
“The workers are excited. . . . The pace (of change) is very fast, and I think they are attempting to correct some serious deficiencies,” he said.
The Long Beach yard has about 5,100 workers.
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