By Paul J. Marsiglio,
Director of Safety &
Industrial Hygiene
Through the remainder of 2018, we need to refocus on the number-one priority at Electric Boat: SAFETY. This is a very busy year, with seven ships in different stages of construction, three of which are very close to being certified and delivered to the Navy. The new hires are taking full advantage of New Hire Safety Training as well as quality time in the trade Active Learning Centers. This reduces the risk of injury as new employees become more acclimated with their surroundings. While we are on track for another good safety performance year, during the first two weeks of August, 53 employees were injured in the shipyard. Twenty-nine reported injuries in which the treatment required more than first aid; ten lost time away from work.
The majority of these injuries, if not all, could have been avoided. The three main contributing factors were PPE compliance, performance of a meaningful Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and the presentation of a meaningful pre-job brief. There are many excuses for not wearing the required PPE — it’s too hot, it’s heavy, it gets in the way, I don’t need it, etc. There are also many reasons to wear the required PPE — to avoid lacerations, the loss of an eye, hearing loss, and to go home to family. Even with the performance of a good JHA, you can’t predict what material or debris could be in the overhead that could fall into your eyes, or that the employee grinding next to you is going to change position, or that the employee working above you is not going to drop something. Wearing your PPE in this hazardous environment is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do.
We have a very strong safety program at Electric Boat. In the last four years, more employees have gone home safer than ever before, and the safety incentive was achieved for the sixth straight time. Most recently, we achieved pressure hull complete on the SSN 792 (Vermont) with no injuries. We docked the SSN 788 (Colorado) and undocked the SSN 765 (Montpelier) with no injuries. The SSN 790 (South Dakota) was certified for fast cruise. Employees working together and watching out for one another allowed this high-risk work to be accomplished injury free.
Later this September we’ll be augmenting our safety program with an emphasis on injuries and near-miss events that could have led to a potential significant injury or fatality. The program, entitled the SIF (significant injury or fatality) program, will require a passionate teaming of all employees. The intent is to focus on the question “what could have happened.” Studies show that companies who exhibit a safety metric that is continually improving tend to get lulled by the positive data. The SIF program will also introduce a number of learning events to help reduce or eliminate injury risk in specific high-risk daily activities. This program will also introduce a SIF rate to help us better understand what risks could be hidden within the positive safety performance indicators.
Safety is not about statistics; it’s a value we all must hold. Strong safety performance can only happen through strong teamwork. If we continue to work together safely, we can make 2018 another record-breaking year!
Thank you for all that you do.
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
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The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
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A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
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The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
During his remarks at the Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit held on July 15 at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, President Donald Trump introduced attendee Danny Deep, president of General Dynamics. In his quick words to Danny, President Trump recognized General Dynamics for building “the greatest submarines in the world.” Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
In this episode of the Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Matt Olander, senior vice president of programs and engineering, about his personal career journey and recent return to UConn’s College of Engineering as an honorary degree recipient and 2026 commencement speaker. Watch Matt’s commencement speech on the UConn College of Engineering YouTube channel.Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
