OSHA has issued a revised
directive providing enforcement guidance for inspections of longshoring operations and at marine terminals, also known as the marine cargo handling industry. The directive addresses updated requirements for PPE and the safe operation of vertical tandem lifts (VTLs). In 2010, BLS data show that seven workers died and more than 2,900 were injured performing marine cargo handling operations.
According to OSHA, the revisions:
- clarify PPE that employers must provide at no cost, when employers must pay for replacement PPE, and when employers are not required to pay for PPE;
- provide guidance on VTL regulations and a court ruling on an industry challeng to those regulations;
- update answers to commonly asked industry questions;
- deliver safety and health information in a web-based format with electronic links.
The directive is available on OSHA’s
Maritime Industry Safety and Health Topics page, along with maritime compliance information, standards and outreach training resources.
