Background:
BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair became a VPP Star site in March 2006. BAE
Systems was also a member of the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association (PSDSRA)
OSHA Strategic Partnership (OSP) that was signed in 2002. Through this
Partnership, BAE Systems worked with other local companies in the industry to
instill a positive safety and health culture among the more than 7,000 employees
covered under the OSP.
Success Impact:
Improved Safety and Health Management System Leads to Injury and Illness
Reductions
In 2002, BAE Systems had a Total Case Incidence Rate (TCIR) of 17.1 and a Days
Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate of 13.0. Through concerted efforts
to reduce injuries and illnesses within key hazard areas, as well as increased
training in hazard recognition and remediation, BAE Systems was able to reduce
their TCIR to 10.5 and their DART to 6.7 in 2007. This represents reductions of
39 and 48 percent, respectively.
| |
TCIR |
DART |
| 2002 |
17.1 |
13.0 |
| 2007 |
10.5 |
6.7 |
| Percentage
Reduction |
39 |
48 |
Partnership Propels BAE Systems Down Path Towards VPP Recognition
Participation in the PSDSRA partnership helped BAE Systems address key workplace
hazards as well as examine and improve their safety and health management system
(SHMS). First, partners identified three key hazards in the industry to address:
respiratory irritation and systemic poisoning, confined spaces, and paint fumes.
The partners worked together to determine how to reduce injuries and illnesses
associated with these hazards. Each partner, including BAE Systems, then
integrated these solutions into their SHMS. They also offered three safety and
health training programs to employees (the Confined Space Entry Program, the
Respirator Protection Program, and the Emergency Rescue Program) that helped
employees become more involved in recognizing and abating hazards associated
with these key hazard areas. Additionally, BAE Systems improved its SHMS by
incorporating the four critical elements of OSHA’s 1989 Guidelines: Management
Commitment and Employee Involvement, Worksite Analysis, Hazard Prevention and
Control, and Training for Employees, Supervisors, and Managers.
All five OSP participants improved their hazard identification, prevention, and
control capabilities, as well as increased employee involvement. This helped
employees become more involved in recognizing and abating hazards throughout the
workplace, which ultimately led to fewer illnesses and injuries.
Origin: OSHA’s Region IX San Francisco Office
Entered VPP: March 2006
NAICS Code and Description: NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repair)
Employees: More than 1,500 employees (including subcontractors)
Employers: 1
Source and Date: Peter Wilsey, San Francisco Regional Office (September
2008)
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