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 has begun 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.