Page 18: of Marine News Magazine (February 2024)

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Column

Safety Zone

Five Tips to Keep Workers Safe in 2024

By Zach Walden, Director of Port Safety, Hampton Roads Shipping Association to improve your maritime safety performance and start the

The maritime industry new year out strong. accounts for more than 90% of global trade and employs over 3 million people in the United States, and like other

Effective training modes of transportation, our industry encounters unique A well-implemented safety training program not only risks. Waterfront workers are exposed to various hazards ensures the wellbeing of workers but also proves to be eco- such as heavy machinery, hazardous substances, extreme nomically bene? cial. It’s estimated that for every dollar weather and long hours. If not properly managed, these haz- invested in these programs, there’s a return of about $4, ards can result in serious injuries, illnesses and even fatalities. demonstrating both time and cost savings while boost-

That is why ensuring the safety of waterfront workers is a ing productivity. Effective training (read those two words top priority for all of us who work in the maritime industry. again) is a critical aspect of safety for your workforce. Train-

Not only does it protect the lives and wellbeing of workers, ing programs should be comprehensive, covering all aspects but safe operations improve productivity, ef? ciency and cul- of safety, including handling of cargo, operating machin- ture…. not to mention, it’s just the right thing to do. ery and emergency response procedures. In 2024, enhance

Outlined below are ? ve key measures that will help en- your training programs by ensuring they are up to date with sure the safety of your waterfront workers in 2024. We the latest best practices, protocols and procedures. believe that implementing these measures will help ensure a safe and healthy work environment for your waterfront

Adherence to safety standards workers while achieving your business goals. Our aim is to Adherence to safety standards is a nonnegotiable aspect provide you with practical and reliable suggestions on how of maritime safety. Safety standards evolve as PPE, equip- © xy / Adobe Stock 18 | MN February 2024