OSHA Guidelines

In 2008, OSHA published ergonomics guidelines for shipyards for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. In order to develop these guidelines, OSHA reviewed existing ergonomic practices in shipyards, visited sites to observe these practices in action, and interviewed employees. In addition, the agency reviewed available scientific information regarding the types of shipyard work activities that may benefit from implementing specific ergonomic solutions.

The resulting guidelines are advisory in nature. They are not a new standard or regulation, and they do not create any new OSHA duties. Under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, the extent of an employer's obligation to address ergonomic hazards is governed by the OSHA general duty clause, 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1). An employer's failure to implement the guidelines is not a violation, or evidence of a violation, of the general duty clause.

The OSHA recommendations contained in this course were developed to be adapted to the needs and resources of each individual place of employment. Actual implementation of the guidelines will likely differ from site to site, and OSHA offers free consultation services for shipyards that need assistance in setting up an appropriate ergonomics plan and implementing solutions applicable to their individual situations.

To learn more about Ergonomics visit our Shipyard Ergonomics Online Training web page.