OSHA removes feral cats from their list of ‘shipyard vermin’

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) recently announced they’ve removed feral cats as ‘vermin’ after a large number of comments were made to them about the cats who act as ‘working cats’ at shipyards.

Until recently the sanitation standard for shipyards required employers to maintain workplaces to prevent the infestation of vermin such as “insects, birds, and other animals, such as rodents and feral cats.

After receiving more than 500 comments, many noting that the shipyard workers value the cats “both for companionship and as a means of controlling rodent populations,” feral cats were removed from the vermin classification.

Research shows cats have been at sea, most likely since the time of the Egyptians. Anywhere there are ships (including shipyards) there are bound to be rats. Captains recognized the invaluable service the cats performed and now so has OSHA.

It’s good to see cats being acknowledged by OSHA as being useful in the workplace. More businesses would benefit from natural vermin control and there are plenty of cats to fill the position who would otherwise be killed at a shelter. Many shelters and humane societies now have barn cat programs available.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was created by Congress to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Elisa Black-Taylor