Pacific Maritime Association

An ILWU worker, wearing the newly introduced safety helmet type and other safety gear, performs lashing operations. Updated Pacific Coast Marine Safety Code During the 2022 – 2023 contract negotiations, the Joint Coast Safety Committee, comprised of representatives from PMA and the ILWU, reached agreement on a variety of measures to further improve safety programs that reflect the current work environment at marine terminals. These new measures are part of the Pacific Coast Marine Safety Code which has guided the "safety first" approach to the waterfront for nearly 75 years and continues to set important standards for workplace safety at all ports along the West Coast. New Safety Helmets After concluding a multi-year pilot period with union locals and employers, PMA and the ILWU moved forward with the introduction of a new modern safety helmet type designed to better protect workers from head injuries, particularly when falling from heights. These new safety helmets provide superior protection to the side of workers' heads in comparison to the traditional safety hard hat. Updated Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) Policy In 2023, PMA and the ILWU agreed to provide a mobile AED on marine terminals to improve response times to sudden incidents. This builds upon the coastwide AED program, adopted in 2008, which features AEDs in cabinets that are highly visible on marine terminals. Providing longshore workers with speedy access to AEDs can help save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest on marine terminals. Suspension Trauma Safety Straps Promote Worker Safety To continue to improve safety for longshore workers while working aloft, suspension trauma safety straps are now part of required equipment. The straps are part of the fall protection harnessing system which allows a worker to remain suspended in a fall arrest harness until a rescue can be performed. These suspension trauma safety straps are critical because they allow workers to stand up in their harness, relieving pressure on their body to reduce health risks associated with remaining suspended. Increase in Industry Safety Shoe Program Vouchers ILWU workers have long received an industry safety shoe voucher for purchasing safe footwear. In 2023, workers benefitted from an agreement with PMA reached the previous year that increased the industry safety shoe voucher to a total annual benefit of $325. PACIFIC MARITIME ASSOCIATION 23 2 0 2 3 | A Y E A R I N R E V I E W

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