Roll-On Roll-Off (RO-RO)

Ship and Dock Safety

OSHA 3396-06N 2010
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

“To assure safe and healthful working conditions

for working men and women; by authorizing

enforcement of the standards developed under

the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in

their efforts to assure safe and healthful working

conditions; by providing for research, information,

education, and training in the field of occupational

safety and health.”

This publication provides a general overview of a

particular standards-related topic. This publication

does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities

which are set forth in OSHA standards, and the

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement

policy may change over time, for additional guidance

on OSHA compliance requirements, the reader

should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety

and Health Review Commission and the courts.

Material contained in this publication is in the public

domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially,

without permission. Source credit is requested

but not required.

This information will be made available to sensory

impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone:

(202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-

889-5627.
Roll-On Roll-Off (RO-RO)

Ship and Dock Safety

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

U.S. Department of Labor

OSHA 3396-06N

2010
These recommendations are advisory in nature and informational in

content. It is not a standard or regulation, and it neither creates new

legal obligations nor alters existing obligations created by OSHA

standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Pursuant to

the OSH Act, employers must comply with safety and health standards and regulations issued and enforced either by OSHA or by an

OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, the Act’s General Duty

Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause

death or serious physical harm.

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Occupational Safety and

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Contents

Executive Summary 4

Background 5

Factors that Contribute to RO-RO

Related Injuries and Property Damage 6

Training 6

Pedestrian and RO-RO Traffic

Movement and Controls 7

Fatigue 8

Vehicle and Equipment Operation,

Maintenance and Use 8

Tractors and haulage equipment 9

Air brake connections 9

Trailer load limits 9

Used Cargo/Unusual Loads 9

Cargo weights 9

Securing cargo 9

Towing cargo 9

Communication 9

Ramp Safety 10

Illumination 10

Walking/Tripping Hazards 11

Vehicle Stowage and

Lashing/Unlashing 11

Ventilation 11

Ship’s Cargo Elevators 12

Personal Protective Equipment 12

Eye Protection 12

High Visibility Vests 12

Kneepads 12

Hearing Protection 12

Hand Protection 12

Protective Footwear 12

Head Protection 12

Resources for Additional Information 13

OSHA Assistance 14

OSHA Regional Offices 16
Executive Summary

This guidance document will help marine cargo

handling employers and workers involved in roll-on

roll-off (RO-RO) operations recognize hazards and

prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities when loading or unloading ships in port. Hazards exist in RORO operations because the fast-paced work is conducted around the clock and is sometimes conducted in inclement weather. Accidents relating to RORO operations may occur when various types of

motorized vehicles travel inside ships, on ramps,

docks, marshalling areas and parking locations. RORO accidents can be serious and it is important for

all employers involved in RO-RO operations to

implement their own safety rules and comply with

those rules established by the Occupational Safety

and Health Administration (OSHA) and the local

stevedoring association.

Accidents onboard ships may be the result of hazardous conditions such as inadequate lighting,

equipment, traffic, weather, or access. In all cases,

the employer remains responsible for ensuring the

safety of its workers. Various jobs are performed on

ship’s RO-RO decks by vessel crew, stevedores,

longshoremen and management. Therefore, close

cooperation among all parties is essential.

OSHA requires that longshoring employers engaged

in RO-RO operations develop and implement a traffic control system for vehicle and pedestrian safety

(29 CFR 1918.86(a)). A traffic safety control system

can help reduce fatalities and injuries associated

with traffic accidents.

The requirements and recommendations in this

document are largely based on the OSHA

Longshoring and Marine Terminals standards, 29

CFR Parts 1917 and 1918, and industry and labor

input through the Maritime Advisory Committee for

Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH), a federal advisory committee. OSHA recommends that

employers use these RO-RO recommendations,

along with recommendations from the OSHA Traffic

Safety in Marine Terminals guidance document, to

develop and implement an effective RO-RO traffic

control system.

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Background

A RO-RO is a ship specifically designed to allow

cargo to be driven or towed directly on and off the

ship by using the ship’s or shore-based ramps. RORO ships are designed to accommodate mechanized or self-propelled cargo. In addition, trailers are

used to carry cargo aboard that is removed from the

trailer and stacked compactly in the cargo area. RORO ships may also require the use of specialized

equipment to stow and lash the vehicles and cargo.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO),

SOLAS, Regulation 6, Chapter 5 “Stowage &

Securing,” requires that RO-RO ships have a “Cargo

Securing Manual.” IMO Solas manual

There are several types of RO-RO ships. New

automobiles transported by ship are commonly

moved on RO-ROs. These large new-car carriers

are commonly called Pure Car Carriers (PCCs) or

Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTCs). The acronym

ROPAX describes a RO-RO ship equipped with

cabins to accommodate several hundred passengers.

The CON-RO ship is a hybrid of a RO-RO and a container ship. This type of ship generally has belowdeck areas used to store cargo such as vehicles,

while the top deck is used to stack container freight.

A RO-LO ship is another hybrid ship type that has a

ramp(s) serving the main internal decks, while the

cargo space on the upper decks is accessible only

by crane.

Each type of ship and each type of cargo present

different challenges and risks to marine cargo-handling employers and workers when moving, arranging and fitting the cargo into the RO-RO vessel during the loading and discharge operations.

OSHA regulatory requirements for the protection of

longshore workers moving cargo on and off RO-RO

ships are primarily provided in 29 CFR 1918.25,

1918.86 and 1918.87. Considering the complexity

of the operations and the interactions between the

longshoremen, vessel crew, and terminal personnel and management, it is important that all parties involved in RO-RO operations work together

to establish procedures for the safety of personnel

and the safe movement of cargo.

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Factors that Contribute

to RO-RO-Related Injuries

and Property Damage

Many factors contribute to RO-RO-related injuries

and property damage. Some of these factors

include:

• Lack of training

• Lack of awareness

• Fatigue

• Inattention

• Inadequate traffic controls

• Material failures in cargo transport vehicles

• Substance abuse

• Inadequate illumination

• Low clearance

• Inadequate or poorly designed traffic control

system

• Unsafe speeds

• Inadequate ventilation

• Poorly designed vehicle stowage plan

• Unsafe walking surfaces

• Improper use of, or failure to use, personal protective equipment

• Uncontrolled pedestrian traffic

• Improper use of, or failure to use, seatbelts

Training

Workers cannot work safely unless they are properly trained. It is the responsibility of the employer to

ensure proper RO-RO operator training. Workers

operating haulage equipment, such as utility tractors and forklifts, must be trained under OSHA

requirements found in 29 CFR 1918.98(a)(1) and 29

CFR 1910.178(l). Some RO-RO haulage vehicles and

cargo handling equipment fall under the powered

industrial truck training requirements in 29 CFR

1910.178(l). Training requirements for all other cargo

handling apparatus and power-operated vehicles

are found in 29 CFR 1918.98(a)(1).

For equipment covered by 29 CFR 1910.178 (powered industrial trucks), it is the responsibility of the

employer to select the particular training elements

that are relevant to the type of powered industrial

truck the worker will be allowed to operate and the

work environment in which the vehicle will be operated, 29 CFR 1910.178 (1)(3). The employer may

leave out elements if the employer can demonstrate

that they are not relevant to the safe operation of

such vehicles in the employer’s workplace. Other

self-propelled mechanized equipment handled as

RO-RO cargo including, but not limited to, autos,

farm tractors or combines, and construction equipment such as bulldozers and front-end loaders fall

under the machinery-operator qualifications in 29

CFR 1918.98(a). In all cases, the employer must

ensure that the worker is competent to safely operate the vehicle or piece of equipment to be moved.
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Pedestrians and RO-RO Traffic

Movement and Controls

OSHA requires that an organized

system of vehicular and pedestrian

traffic control be established and

maintained at each entrance/exit

ramp, and on ramps within the

ship, as traffic flow warrants (29

CFR 1918.86(a)). Ramps must provide physical separation between

vehicles and pedestrians, or a

process to prevent simultaneous

usage of the ramps (29 CFR

1918.86(c)).

Other key issues relating to pedestrian and RO-RO traffic movement

and controls include:

• Employers should control RORO traffic at all times by using signage, barriers

and signal persons at appropriate control points.

• Unauthorized personnel must not ride on

mechanically powered vehicles. A safe place to

ride must be provided when riding is authorized

(29 CFR 1918.65(h)(10)).

• Drivers must ensure that each vehicle and/or

trailer is safely and correctly parked, the brakes

are set and the power is shut off before exiting

(29 CFR 1918.65(h)(8)).

• All workers working in the terminal traffic lanes

must wear high visibility vests (or equivalent

protection) (29 CFR 1917.71(e)).

• All authorized workers working in RO-RO operations shall be equipped with high visibility vests

(or equivalent protection) (29 CFR 1918.86(m)).

Access and egress for fire response personnel

Access lanes (fire lanes) are often used in conjunction with other RO-RO operations such as delivery

zones, staging areas and pedestrian walkways.

Local fire officials may designate fire lanes and

access road markings to ensure that fire response

personnel have access to the ship without being

impeded by parked vehicles or other obstructions.
Fatigue

Fatigue1, 2 is a critical occupational safety concern

for shift workers, especially workers working in a

RO-RO operation. Being fatigued creates a risk for

anyone who undertakes an activity that requires

concentration and quick response. With only a few

minutes per wheeled cargo unit and hundreds of

units to move, fatigue takes its toll quickly. Some

recognizable signs of fatigue include:

• Glazed eyes

• Slurred speech

• Dragging feet

• Slower-than-usual movement

• Slow reaction time

• Inability to follow or comprehend instructions

• Falling asleep

Vehicle and Equipment

Operation, Maintenance

and Use

There may be several different types of haulage

equipment, self-propelled machinery, or vehicles

loaded or utilized aboard RO-RO ships. Each type

has unique operating characteristics and hazards,

which must be taken into consideration during

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Occupational Safety and

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1 To improve public health and safety, the National Sleep

Foundation offers information on sleep and sleep disorders and

supports education, sleep-related research and advocacy.

www.sleepfoundation.org

2 NIOSH Update, “NIOSH Suggests Approaches on Shiftwork to

Reduce Worker Fatigue, Stress,” November 4, 1997 (found at

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/shift.html).

loading and unloading. All vehicular cargo operations should be conducted under the supervision of

an on-site supervisor, such as a knowledgeable or

competent person.

The following bullets contain requirements and

guidelines. The employer must ensure that workers

follow the requirements and should ensure that

workers pay close attention to the guidelines when

operating RO-RO cargo:

• After starting equipment or RO-RO cargo, the

operator should immediately perform a brake

check.

• Hazardous routes must be identified, marked

and barricaded (29 CFR 1918.86(e)). It is recommended that signal persons be stationed at

intersections, ramp approaches, or departure

points to distinguish the hazardous routes from

normal traffic routes.

• If seat belts are available,

they should be worn during

the movement of any RO-RO

cargo/equipment.

• Employers should control

RO-RO traffic at all times by

using signage, barriers and

signal persons at appropriate

control points.

• Vehicles should always use

low-beam headlights during

loading/unloading operations.

This practice is preferable to

the use of hazard lights. (The

use of headlights will aid in

traveling throughout the

ship.)

• Parking vehicles other than RO-RO cargo on traffic access routes should be prohibited.

• Drivers must not drive vehicles, either forward

or backward, while personnel are in positions

where they could be struck (29 CFR 1918.86(n)).

• Unscheduled inspection of RO-RO cargo should

be conducted outside of the main traffic pattern

so as not to present a hazard to other moving

cargo.

• Power-driven vehicles used in RO-RO operations

must be operated at speeds that are safe for prevailing conditions (29 CFR 1918.86(j)).

• Vehicles used to transport workers in the terminal must be maintained in a safe working condition and safety features must not be altered (29

CFR 1917.44(n)).
A competent person should always perform an

assessment prior to loading or discharging used or

unusual RO-RO cargo. The assessment should

include:

• Checking that the dimensions of the RO-RO

cargo will allow entry onto the ramp, paying particular attention to potential obstructions;

• Ensuring that the used or unusual RO-RO cargo

is securely lashed or safe to move; and

• Confirming the total gross weight of the load to

be moved.

Cargo weights – When cargo is being transported

via RO-RO ramps, the weight of the cargo must be

plainly marked in pounds (kilograms) (for example:

8,000 lbs. (36.287 kg.)). If the cargo is not marked,

the stowage plan or equivalent record that contains

the cargo’s gross weight may be used to

determine the weight (29 CFR 1918.86(h)).

Securing cargo – Cargo loaded or discharged during RO-RO operations must

be secured to prevent sliding loads (29

CFR 1918.86(l)).

Towing cargo – Towing creates unique

hazards. These hazards may include

swing radius hazards, power and braking

deficiencies on ramps, or impaired visibility. Each towing operation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to assess

the hazards of the move and plans for

making the move safely.

Communication

Good communication is a key element in

successful RO-RO operations. RO-RO operations

require constant communication. It is, therefore,

important for supervisory personnel to effectively

communicate the traffic control system during

unlashing, load sequencing, and traffic routing and

monitoring to help prevent injuries. Topics to discuss prior to work shifts could include:

• Safe vehicle operation

• Hazardous routes

• Unusual loads

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

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Tractors and haulage equipment – Tractors

used in RO-RO operations must have sufficient

power to ascend (move up) ramp inclines safely (29

CFR 1918.86(i)(1)), and sufficient braking capacity to

descend (move down) ramp inclines safely (29 CFR

1918.86(i)(2)).

Air brake connections – Each tractor must have all

air lines connected when pulling trailers equipped

with air brakes and must have the brakes tested

before starting operations (29 CFR 1917.71(f)(5) and

29 CFR 1918.86(f)).

Trailer load limits – Flatbed and lowboy trailers and

the like must be marked with their cargo capacities

and must not be overloaded (29 CFR 1917.71(f)(4)

and 29 CFR 1918.86(g)).

Used Cargo/Unusual Loads

Of particular concern are the functionality and safety of used cargo being loaded on and off RO-RO

ships. When operating used equipment, precautions should be taken to make the operation safe.

Motorized cargo may be transported in varying

stages of disrepair. Operators should perform an

operational check prior to off-loading. Unusual RORO cargo may need to be escorted directly on or off

the ship to a suitable staging area.
Ramp Safety

Operations on ramps should receive particular

attention in the traffic control system (29 CFR

1918.86(a)). The following elements should be

assessed as appropriate:

• Ramps must be properly maintained and

secured (29 CFR 1918.86(d)). Damage, which

could result in injury, should be repaired immediately. If damage cannot be readily repaired, the

ramp should not be used.

• A clear approach area of adequate size should

be maintained shoreside at each ramp.

• Ramps should be kept clear of all obstacles.

• Bow, stern, and side port ramps that are also

used for pedestrian access must meet the

requirements of 29 CFR 1918.25. Such ramps

must provide a physical separation (i.e., stanchions and line, or other moveable barriers)

between pedestrian and vehicular routes (29

CFR 1918.86(c)).

• When the design of the ramp prevents physical

separation of pedestrians and vehicles, a positive means must be established to prevent

simultaneous use of the ramp by vehicles and

pedestrians (29 CFR 1918.86(c)). Persons boarding or leaving the ship via a ramp that is not

large enough to provide a segregated walkway

should keep clear of the ramp and give the right

of way to vehicular traffic on the ramp. Pedestrians may use the ramps when vehicular traffic is

no longer occupying the ramp.

• The load capacity of ramps must be plainly

marked. The marked load capacity must not be

exceeded (29 CFR 1918.86(b)).

Note that some mechanized cargo is “driven” via

an electrical/electronic umbilical cord with the operator walking alongside. In this instance, the operator should be stationed on the ramp in a safe location from where the equipment may be safely controlled. In addition, spotters are sometimes needed

on ramps to ensure clearance of unusual-sized

cargo and to act as safety clearance observers.

These persons should be stationed so that they are

never in the bight (slack or loop of a rope) as the

equipment is being maneuvered on the ramp.

These personnel are NOT considered pedestrians

as they are directing or ensuring the safety of the

moving cargo.

Illumination

Employers must provide adequate lighting to

ensure good visibility for the operators of RO-RO

cargo and equipment (29 CFR 1917.123 and 29 CFR

1918.92). Lighting defects should be immediately

reported to a ship’s officer prior to movement of

cargo.

Stationary lights on RO-RO ships must not shine

directly into the eyes of drivers (29 CFR 1918.92(c)).

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Walking/Tripping Hazards

Many tripping hazards exist in cargo holds. Personnel should be alert to installed fittings, rings and

lashing points as tripping hazards.

To prevent tripping, lashers should ensure that

vehicle lashing assemblies and lashings are placed

on holding racks if provided, or stowed as directed

and kept out of the way when disconnected from

vehicles.

Working areas must be kept free of equipment,

materials and debris (29 CFR 1918.91(a)).

Conditions causing slippery walking and working

surfaces must be eliminated in areas used by workers (29 CFR 1918.91(b)).

Vehicle Stowage and

Lashing/Unlashing

• All chains and gear used in connection with

lashing of cargo shall be kept clear of any work

area (29 CFR 1918.91(a)).

• Whenever practicable, each vehicle or trailer

should be secured before another vehicle or

trailer is positioned immediately behind it.

• Lashers should use proper lashing points, so far

as possible, both on the vehicle and on the ship.

• Great care should always be taken when releasing any lashing suspected of being under tension.

• Lashers should not remove vehicle-lashing

assemblies until ensuring that brakes are set

and personnel are clear of the vehicle’s path.

• Operators should not move vehicles until lashing assemblies are removed and personnel are

clear of the vehicle’s path.

Ventilation

Internal combustion engine-driven vehicles must

be operated only where adequate ventilation exists

or is provided (29 CFR 1918.86(k)). When internal

combustion engines exhaust into a hold, intermediate deck, or any other compartment, the employer

must ensure that the atmosphere is tested as frequently as needed to prevent carbon monoxide

(CO) concentrations from exceeding allowable limits (29 CFR 1918.94(a)(1), (a)(1)(i)). These tests must

be made in the area in which workers are working

by persons competent in the use of the test equipment and procedures (29 CFR 1918.94(a)(1)).

Employers should ensure that workers control

loose paper within RO-RO areas. Papers can be

sucked into the ventilation system, blocking airflow

and allowing the buildup of harmful gases. Employers should closely monitor air quality during all operations where overexposure may occur.

Most modern car carriers have efficient exhaust

ventilation systems. Ventilation systems in cargo

holds should be started 15 minutes prior to starting

work. The time needed may vary depending on the

size of the hold and the airflow.
Ship Cargo Elevators

• Employers must determine and ensure that

workers comply with the safe working load of

the ship’s cargo elevator (29 CFR 1918.87(a)).

• The load distribution on the elevator’s platform

must be equally distributed at all times (29 CFR

1918.87(b)).

• Workers must be restricted from riding the elevator’s platform when a fall hazard is present (29

CFR 1918.87(c)).

• Open decks must be barricaded when there is a

fall hazard present during elevator operation (29

CFR 1918.87(d)).

Personal Protective

Equipment

Eye Protection – The employer shall ensure that

each affected worker uses appropriate eye and/or

face protection where there are exposures to eye

and/or face hazards (29 CFR 1918.101(a)(1)). One

area of perceived need where eye protection, in the

form of sunglasses, should be used is when traveling from a dark or dimly lit ship into bright sunlight.

High Visibility Vests – Workers should wear high

visibility vests in situations where visibility is

reduced, such as in dimly lit ship holds, around

vehicular traffic during nighttime driving and in

parking areas. All deck-authorized workers must be

equipped with high-visibility vests or equivalent

protection (29 CFR 1918.86(m)).

Kneepads – All lashers should use kneepads.

Employers must provide and require workers to

use special protective clothing when necessary (29

CFR 1918.105(a)).

Hearing Protection – All personnel exposed to

noise exceeding permissible noise levels must wear

hearing protection (29 CFR 1910.95).

Hand Protection – Ship surfaces, as well as heavy

cargo, lashing, miscellaneous gear and automobiles, may have sharp edges that can result in cuts

to workers’ hands. Employers must provide, and

require workers to use, special protective clothing

when necessary (29 CFR 1918.105(a)(i)).

Protective Footwear – The employer must

ensure that each affected worker wears protective

footwear when working in areas where there is a

danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling

objects or objects piercing the sole (29 CFR

1918.104(a)).

Head Protection – Low overhead areas are often

encountered on RO-RO vessels and particularly on

PCCs. Bump caps may be worn if there is no hazard of falling objects.

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Resources for

Additional Information

The following sources may be useful to those seeking further information about RO-RO operations:

ICHCA International, Ltd. (ICHCA) has developed a

guide (BP 10) entitled, “Safe Working at RO-RO

Terminals 1997.” ICHCA is an independent, nonpolitical international membership organization,

with membership comprised of corporations, individuals, academic institutions and other organizations involved in, or concerned with, the international transport and cargo-handling industry.

ICHCA Publications - Container Owners Association

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has

developed instructional information entitled,

“Safety and Health in Ports, ILO Code of Practice.”

“The practical recommendations in this code are

intended to provide relevant guidance to ILO constituents and all those responsible for or involved in

the management, operation, maintenance and

development of ports. It is hoped that this code will

help to raise the profile of safety and health issues

in ports in all parts of the world, and will encourage

more countries to ratify the Occupational Safety

and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152),

or otherwise implement its provisions.”

www.ilo.org/public/libdoc/ilo/2005/105B09_39_engl.

pdf

Sections 1 and 2 of the U.S. Army Field Manual 55-

17, Chapter 8, cover the loading and discharging of

general cargo vessels. Special attention is given to

the different methods of securing cargo, as well as

careful handling procedures to prevent damage.

Sections 3 and 4 describe loading and discharging

methods for RO-RO vessels. The last section in the

chapter discusses performing LO-LO and RO-RO

operations on the T-AKR 295 and 296 Class

Strategic Sealift Ship. www.globalsecurity.org/

military/library/policy/army/fm/55-17/ch8.htm#sec3
OSHA Assistance

OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety

of programs, including technical assistance about

effective safety and health programs, state plans,

workplace consultations, and training and education.

Safety and Health Management

System Guidelines

Effective management of worker safety and health

protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent

and severity of work-related injuries and illnesses

and their related costs. In fact, an effective safety

and health management system forms the basis of

good worker protection, can save time and money,

increase productivity and reduce employee injuries,

illnesses and related workers’ compensation costs.

To assist employers and workers in developing

effective safety and health management systems,

OSHA published recommended Safety and Health

Program Management Guidelines (54 Federal

Register (16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These

voluntary guidelines can be applied to all places of

employment covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elements

critical to the development of a successful safety

and health management system:

• Management leadership and worker involvement,

• Worksite analysis,

• Hazard prevention and control, and

• Safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions,

under each of these general elements, to achieve

an effective safety and health management system.

The Federal Register notice is available online at

www.osha.gov.

State Programs

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

(OSH Act) encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. OSHA

approves and monitors these plans. Twenty-five

states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands currently

operate approved state plans: 22 cover both private

and public (state and local government) employment; Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York

and the Virgin Islands cover the public sector only.

States and territories with their own OSHAapproved occupational safety and health plans

must adopt standards identical to, or at least as

effective as, the Federal OSHA standards.

Consultation Services

Consultation assistance is available on request to

employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Largely

funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost

to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller

employers with more hazardous operations, the

consultation service is delivered by state governments employing professional safety and health

consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an

appraisal of all mechanical systems, work practices,

and occupational safety and health hazards of the

workplace and all aspects of the employer’s present

job safety and health program. In addition, the service offers assistance to employers in developing

and implementing an effective safety and health

program. No penalties are proposed or citations

issued for hazards identified by the consultant.

OSHA provides consultation assistance to the

employer with the assurance that his or her name

and firm and any information about the workplace

will not be routinely reported to OSHA enforcement

staff. For more information concerning consultation

assistance, see OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

Strategic Partnership Program

OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program helps

encourage, assist and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate serious workplace hazards and

achieve a high level of worker safety and health.

Most strategic partnerships seek to have a broad

impact by building cooperative relationships with

groups of employers and workers. These partnerships are voluntary relationships between OSHA,

employers, worker representatives, and others (e.g.,

trade unions, trade and professional associations,

universities, and other government agencies).

For more information on this and other agency

programs, contact your nearest OSHA office, or

visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

OSHATraining and Education

OSHA area offices offer a variety of information

services, such as technical advice, publications,

audiovisual aids and speakers for special engagements. OSHA’s Training Institute in Arlington

Heights, IL, provides basic and advanced courses in

safety and health for Federal and state compliance

officers, state consultants, Federal agency person1 4

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nel, and private sector employers, workers and

their representatives.

The OSHA Training Institute also has established

OSHA Training Institute Education Centers to

address the increased demand for its courses from

the private sector and from other federal agencies.

These centers are colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations that have been selected after a

competition for participation in the program.

OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through grants, to conduct workplace training

and education in subjects where OSHA believes

there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are

awarded annually.

For more information on grants, training and

education, contact the OSHA Training Institute,

Directorate of Training and Education, 2020 South

Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL

60005, (847) 297-4810, or see Training on OSHA’s

website at www.osha.gov. For further information

on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA

regional office listed at the end of this publication.

Information Available Electronically

OSHA has a variety of materials and tools available

on its website at www.osha.gov. These include

electronic tools, such as Safety and HealthTopics,

eTools, Expert Advisors; regulations, directives and

publications; videos and other information for

employers and workers. OSHA’s software programs and eTools walk you through challenging

safety and health issues and common problems to

find the best solutions for your workplace.

OSHA Publications

OSHA has an extensive publications program. For

a listing of free items, visit OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov or contact the OSHA Publications

Office, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution

Avenue, NW, N-3101, Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693-1888 or fax to (202) 693-2498.

Contacting OSHA

To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek

OSHA advice, assistance, or products, call (800)

321-OSHA or contact your nearest OSHA Regional

or Area office listed at the end of this publication.

The teletypewriter (TTY) number is (877) 889-5627.

Written correspondence can be mailed to the

nearest OSHA Regional or Area Office listed at the

end of this publication or to OSHA’s national office

at: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety

and Health Administration, 200 Constitution

Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210.

By visiting OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov,

you can also:

• File a complaint online,

• Submit general inquiries about workplace safety

and health electronically, and

• Find more information about OSHA and occupational safety and health.
OSHA Regional Offices

Region I

(CT*, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)

JFK Federal Building, Room E340

Boston, MA 02203

(617) 565-9860

Region II

(NJ*, NY*, PR*, VI*)

201 Varick Street, Room 670

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2378

Region III

(DE, DC, MD*, PA, VA*, WV)

The Curtis Center

170 S. Independence Mall West

Suite 740 West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

(215) 861-4900

Region IV

(AL, FL, GA, KY*, MS, NC*, SC*, TN*)

61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 562-2300

Region V

(IL*, IN*, MI*, MN*, OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street

Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 353-2220

Region VI

(AR, LA, NM*, OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street, Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

(972) 850-4145

Region VII

(IA*, KS, MO, NE)

Two Pershing Square

2300 Main Street, Suite 1010

Kansas City, MO 64108-2416

(816) 283-8745

Region VIII

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT*, WY*)

1999 Broadway, Suite 1690

PO Box 46550

Denver, CO 80202-5716

(720) 264-6550

Region IX

(AZ*, CA*, HI*, NV*, and American Samoa,

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands)

90 7th Street, Suite 18-100

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 625-2547

Region X

(AK*, ID, OR*, WA*)

1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715

Seattle, WA 98101-3212

(206) 553-5930

* These states and territories operate their own

OSHA-approved job safety and health programs

and cover state and local government employees

as well as private sector employees. The

Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and

Virgin Islands plans cover public employees only.

States with approved programs must have standards that are identical to, or at least as effective

as, the Federal OSHA standards.

Note: To get contact information for OSHA Area

Offices, OSHA-approved State Plans and OSHA

Consultation Projects, please visit us online at

www.osha.gov or call us at 1-800-321-OSHA.

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Occupational Safety and

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