File:110630.pdf: Difference between revisions

Description

A paper discussing the U.S. Navy's efforts to protect workers from asbestos exposure

==Abstract==Reviews the U.S. Navy's efforts to protect workers from **asbestos exposure** at the Long Beach and Norfolk Naval Shipyards. It also provides information on the **use of asbestos in Navy ships**, the **cost of removal**, and **compensation programs** for asbestos-related disabilities. Although newly constructed ships contain little to no asbestos thermal insulation, many existing Navy ships have **large quantities of asbestos**. The Navy does not plan a single, comprehensive fleet-wide asbestos removal program, estimating the cost at **$2 billion**, and instead focuses on **selective removal and replacement** of damaged or high-maintenance insulation. Comprehensive asbestos control programs were established at the shipyards, but the report found that **implementation needed improvement** due to insufficient staffing, worker non-compliance with safety procedures, and inadequate monitoring and enforcement. Specific deficiencies were noted at both Long Beach and Norfolk. The report recommends ensuring that programs are **effectively monitored and enforced** and that **sufficient resources** are provided for implementation. The Navy Department concurred with these recommendations and reported ongoing efforts to improve programs. The report also briefly discusses the availability of **disability compensation programs** for affected individuals.