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.
One Week Left—Let’s Claim the Torch! AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk: Final Countdown
We are just one week away from the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3, 2026, at UConn Avery Point and this is our moment to finish strong. We’ve built incredible momentum, and now we’re within striking distance of something big. Right now, Electric Boat is holding second place, behind Mohegan Sun by...Continue reading→
803 Section 2B/5 Transported from Quonset Point to Groton
PCU Arizona’s (SSGN 803) Section 2B/5 was successfully delivered to Groton from Quonset Point. At 184 feet in length, this section – which includes the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) – is the largest Virginia-class shipment ever transported. Arizona, the first submarine to incorporate VPM, will be about 460 feet long upon final construction. Section 2B/5...Continue reading→
Remembering September 11
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of downtown Manhattan’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., were targeted in a series of coordinated attacks that would leave an everlasting imprint on our country’s psyche. As the events unfolded on that Tuesday morning, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, over 600 were injured...Continue reading→
EBECSA Celebrates 75 Years — Nominate EB Employees Past and Present for Recognition
This year, the Electric Boat Employees’ Community Services Association (EBECSA) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. EBECSA was founded in 1951 by EB employees who wanted to create a dedicated, organized way to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in the communities where we live and work. What began as a small employee‑driven effort has...Continue reading→
Atlas Plaque Unveiled, Honoring Plank Owners at South Yard Ceremony
Employees who have worked on Atlas, EB’s new state-of-the-art floating dry dock, gathered in the South Yard on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to unveil a new bronze plaque recognizing the contributions of its plank owners. The event celebrated the teams who helped bring Atlas from Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to its arrival in Groton earlier this year. Atlas will play...Continue reading→
Neighbors Meet with EB to Discuss Noise, Lighting and Other Quality of Life Topics
Nearly twenty neighbors of Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard joined company leaders Aug. 25 for a community conversation focused on their quality‑of‑life concerns related to the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) and Atlas, the new floating dry dock. The Mayor of the City of Groton, Jill Rusk, also attended. Residents said they appreciated the chance to talk...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 26: Waterford Campus Groundbreaking
EB President Mark Rayha reports from the groundbreaking of the new Waterford Campus, where innovation, engineering and workforce development will come together to support our mission. The new facility will help train hundreds of shipbuilders daily as EB continues to grow for future production demands.
Waterford Campus Groundbreaking Marks EB’s Next Step in Innovation and Workforce Growth
Electric Boat officially broke ground Friday on the Waterford Campus, launching the transformation of the former Crystal Mall into a center for innovation, engineering and high‑tech workforce development. EB President Mark Rayha underscored how the project will reshape the way the company designs, tests and builds submarines. Innovation is the key, he said. “There’s an opportunity to...Continue reading→
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→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
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→
