Since 2008, major private shipbuilders have earned more than $100 billion in federal contracts despite having been cited for serious safety lapses that have endangered, injured and killed workers.
Companies vying for federal contracts will not be required to disclose serious workplace safety violations after the Senate narrowly voted to overturn one of former President Barack Obama’s executive orders.
Huntington Ingalls Industries and other shipbuilders stand to benefit from Trump’s planned shipbuilding expansion, and it appears they will continue to face little accountability for putting workers in danger.
Sharp criticism of the Navy came in response to the recent Reveal investigation, which found private shipbuilders have received more than $100 billion in public money despite serious safety lapses that have endangered, injured and killed workers.
At an Austal USA shipyard in Alabama, dozens of workers have been injured by a handheld tool that the company modified from its intended use. They’ve lost fingers and suffered deep gashes on their faces, necks and arms.
