March 23, 2010
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA requests membership nominations to the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is requesting nominations for membership to the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH). Details are in the FR notice.

The committee advises the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA on matters relevant to worker safety and health in maritime industries, including longshoring, marine terminals, and shipyard employment. The Committee also advises the Assistant Secretary on maritime industry activities related to agency priorities including worker training; education and assistance; setting and enforcing standards; and assuring safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women.

MACOSH recently recommended that OSHA develop guidance on arc flash hazards, fall protection and safety zones for dock workers to enhance worker safety and health. The committee also addressed longshoring workers' safety by providing input on OSHA's gangway safety, lifesaving equipment and first aid kits Quick Cards™.

The Secretary of Labor will appoint 15 members to represent the interests of workers, employers, safety and health professional organizations, government organizations with interests or activities related to the maritime industry, academia, and the public. Members serve two-year terms.

Details for submitting nominations are in the Federal Register notice. For more information, contact Joseph V. Daddura, Director, Office of Maritime, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N-3609, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210; telephone 202-693-2067.

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, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at (202) 693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.