The dangers of wind combined with loose debris is often greatly underestimated. Mother Nature’s storms that produce high winds can turn simple objects into missile hazards. Loose debris such as pieces of wood, wooden pallets, metal, and unsecured equipment can cause serious damage to buildings, equipment and vehicles. But more importantly, flying debris or unsecured equipment can cause severe injury or even death to Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) personnel.

More often than not, these winds cannot always be predicted. Everyday cleanliness is one of the simplest tasks we can accomplish in avoiding danger and risk to our most valuable assets - members of the workforce! This can be easily accomplished and injuries can simply be avoided by taking ownership in and around your workspace. Maintain situational awareness, place garbage or larger items in the proper trash receptacles, secure loose material or move it to a secure location, and make sure equipment and materials are left in a safe manner when they’re not in use.

On April 13, NNSY reached destructive level winds during a weather event and one of our shipyard teammates was injured when a piece of plywood became airborne, shattering a window, and causing glass to fly into the office space. Luckily, the injuries were minor and the window protected the employee from sustaining severe injuries. If the airborne plywood had struck an employee transiting outside, the injuries would have been severe. This particular injury could have been avoided if loose debris and objects were secured and put in their proper place.

Due to the uncertainty of weather events, all personnel onboard NNSY are expected to maintain Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (COR). Typically enforced during hurricane season (Jun. 1 – Nov. 30), the minimum state of readiness to be maintained year round is COR 5.

Certain preparatory actions are required within each COR to properly secure the installation and prepare personnel. The level of preparation increases with the progression of each COR level (i.e. from picking up loose gear in COR 5, to removing awnings in COR 3, to reporting to shelters in COR 1).

The time in which these Conditions of Readiness are set is as follows: COR 5 is set when destructive force winds are possible within 96 hours and is the minimum daily condition maintained, COR 4 when destructive force winds are possible within 72 hours, COR 3 when destructive force winds are possible within 48 hours, COR 2 when destructive force winds are anticipated within 24 hours, and COR 1 when destructive force winds are imminent within 12 hours.

Code 970 Preservation Group Superintendent Charlie McVey stated, “We strive to keep our assigned areas of cleanliness in COR 5 to prevent accidents from happening. However, it takes an army of over 10,000 NNSY employees and tenant command employees to ensure that high winds will not result in damage, injury, or death. It is the responsibility of each and every individual that enters America’s Shipyard to prevent future injuries from happening.”

Proactive measures have been taken to ensure cleanliness and to support our C.O.R.E. values within NNSY. Members of NNSY’s National Association of Superintendents (NAS) Chapter, whose objective is to lead, manage, and coordinate with other groups for the betterment of the shipyard has assigned areas of responsibility in regard to cleanliness. The expectation is that all areas are maintained to COR 5 standards at all times. Personnel are assigned to do cleanliness tours throughout each month and ensure that the areas meet the conditions of COR 5; if not, the cleanliness area owner ensures that it is returned to that condition.

The expectation for all NAS members is that our areas are maintained to COR 5, and when notified that they are not, get it to that condition immediately to prevent injury, damage, or worse. Monthly cleanliness assignments, along with the cleanliness zone maps, and weekly team reports are included in ongoing submittals. The expectation for the report is that surveys are conducted throughout the week, identifying areas that need attention, notifying the cleanliness area owner of what needs to be done, and that the area has been returned to the standard.

Preparation is key for unexpected weather events and it is extremely important to recognize that cleanliness throughout NNSY, free of debris and loose objects, is the first step in that preparation. This will help ensure the safety of our workforce. Ultimately, cleanliness is the responsibility of everyone that passes through the gates of America’s Shipyard and your commitment to cleanliness will prevent injuries and may even save lives.

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