The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Application of Industrial Engineering Techniques to Reduce Workers' Compensation and Environmental Costs - Deliverable E
Abstract
Steel erection encompasses all of the on-board construction of the ships. This area is responsible for the erection of fabricated units from the on-block assembly area. Due to the nature of work in this area there is variety of trades involved in the on-board erection process. The trades assigned to this department are Shipwrights Shipfitters Pipe welders Line-heaters Layout W&O and P&S Fire watches, Code Welders, Welders, Chipper, and Burners. Other activities such as launching are also included in their processes. Since 1995, the steel department has cost NASSCO the most money in regard to workers compensation costs. Of all reported workers' compensation injures, back injuries were the most expensive injury. Steel erection costs for workers' compensation for back injuries totaled $1.4 million during a two year (1995 & 1996) time-frame. Because shipfitters and welders are the most numerous of the trades represented in the steel erection group, they had the most back injuries and were selected for study. The nature of work required for Shipfitters and welders, such as cutting, grinding, lifting strong backs, lifting turnbuckles and ripout of shipboard structures, was the major cause of injuries for these trades. Additional job duties include repetitive or prolonged bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing, lifting of welding equipment, handling pipe, carrying equipment, and lifting from fifty (50) to seventy (70) pounds in awkward, contorted positions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA446597
Entities
Organizations
- National Steel and Shipbuilding Company