National Shipbuilding Research Program. Application of Industrial Engineering Techniques to Reduce Workers' Compensation and Environmental Costs - Deliverable F

摘要

The Electrical Department encompasses many areas of Nassco including 'Onboard' (both new construction installation and ship repair), 'On-Block' ground outfitting small shop repair services and Facilities Maintenance. The Electrical Trade services many areas of the 'yard' and work tasks can vary greatly from installing and repairing equipment to pulling yards (actual miles) of cable. Various tasks include layout installation cable pulls hook up repair and testing of shipboard equipment. In order to perform most levels of electrical work physical requirements such as frequent lifting carrying pulling pushing standing climbing ladders overhead reaching and manual dexterity are necessary while performing such functions in contorted positions. Many electricians are also certified to weld braces and mounting equipment. In 1996 a stretching program was instituted in cable crew work areas. The injury rates declined (for a while) following implementation during the first six months of the year then escalated during the last half of the year. There were seventy sprain and strain injuries during 1996. This amounted to an injury percentage of 127% among a total of fifty-five cable crew employees. In 1997 the injury rate declined significantly to 3.6% with fifty- five employees assigned to the cable crew. The current rate is 2.3% with forty- two employees remaining on the cable crew.