OP/ED: Maritime Industry Faces Compliance Standard from OSHA on Respirable Crystalline Silica
Companies with workers repairing and refurbishing ship components utilizing sand blasting have become the subject of a new U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard.All employers and employees in the maritime industry need to be aware of the new requirements as OSHA continues efforts to protect workers from the hazards of exposure to breathable silica dust. The new application of the "Respirable Crystalline Silica" standards requires…
Connaughton Gets Hearing for MarAd Post
The Senate Commerce Committee is not expecting any problems approving the nomination of Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman Sean Connaughton to lead the U.S. Maritime Administration. At a confirmation hearing, Connaughton said he would focus on relieving congestion of the nation's waterways, maritime and port development, national security and environmental protection. Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen and Congressman Tom Davis spoke in support of Connaughton. Allen said Connaughton, a maritime and environmental lawyer with a Washington firm, was particularly well-qualified for the position. President Bush nominated Connaughton for the post last month. Connaughton previously served as a senior transportation associate for the American Petroleum Institute.
