Original Date: 07/21/2003
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

By providing OSHA Certified Training to upper and middle management and select hourly employees, Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility is aware of the various safety requirements of both industrial and maritime OSHA standards. Clear understanding of OSHA expectations provides an excellent foundation to continue eliminating lost work days due to injuries and providing a safe work environment.

Recently, Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility (EBQP) administered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Train the Trainer Program to all levels of management and select members of its Behavior Observation Awareness Team (BOAT). This type of management training is not surprising considering that safety is EBQP’s number one priority. The company reflects its commitment to safety in goal-setting processes by establishing safety as the first performance metric it tracks and evaluates for managers and supervisors. Recognizing that more is needed to ensure continuous improvement, EBQP elevated the level of safety awareness at management levels throughout the facility.

EBQP recognized that managerial motivation alone does not improve safety. An appreciation by the workforce of management’s commitment to safety is also essential. Even if the two conditions are present, a comprehensive understanding of safe work practices and the knowledge of how to create and maintain a safe work environment must exist to achieve continuous safety improvement. To fulfill these educational requirements, EBQP implemented an OSHA certified program which was facilitated by Keene State College. The program consists of information on general safety (both industrial and maritime standards), including electrical, personal protective equipment, OSHA compliance, record keeping, machine guarding, and utilizing OSHA standards. Employees were committed to a 32- hour class, segregated into blocks, ensuring the classes would not interfere with production and could accommodate absenteeism or travel. By educating the management team, each member is equipped with the necessary information to implement injury prevention and accident reduction plans. Armed with this knowledge, management can influence safety performance through new techniques. Incentives (e.g., free lunches, ice cream bars, and jackets) help promote safety throughout the workforce.

All supervisors, upper management, and members of BOAT attended the workshop. After completing the training, each person was certified to train others and issue an OSHA certification card. Plans are in place to offer a 10-hour OSHA general industry safety course to all remaining employees, further fostering safety awareness. A three-day, new-hire orientation combines specific articles of this training to all employees. Early response on the program is very positive, and injuries have been significantly reduced throughout the facility.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.