Alaska Seafood Safety Committee (ASSC)
AKOSH Consultation and Training partners with Alaska’s seafood processing industry—one of the state’s largest employers—to improve worker safety through the Alaska Seafood Safety Committee (ASSC). This statewide collaboration includes 41 processing facilities and brings together industry leaders, public health professionals, and safety experts to address critical hazards and strengthen workplace safety culture. The ASSC is developing standardized safety training, a universal onboarding handbook, and the state’s first seafood-specific recognition program. Together, AKOSH and industry are building safer, healthier workplaces for Alaska’s seafood workforce.
Alaska Seafood Safety Committee (ASSC)
A Collaborative Safety Partnership Supporting Alaska’s Largest Manufacturing Sector
The Alaska Seafood Safety Committee (ASSC) is a statewide industry partnership led by Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) Consultation and Training, created to improve worker safety and health across Alaska’s seafood processing industry—an industry that directly employs 48,000 workers and contributes nearly $6 billion annually to Alaska’s economy.
Formed in 2024 through an official charter and Articles of Organization, the ASSC brings together seafood processors, public health experts, safety professionals, and industry partners in a collaborative effort to address persistent and emerging hazards in seafood operations. The Committee includes representatives from 41 processing plants across Alaska, encompassing both land-based facilities and vessel-based operations, and supports safe working conditions for an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 seasonal workers.
The ASSC meets monthly to share information, address hazards, and develop best practices related to communicable disease prevention, occupational health, ammonia refrigeration and PSM, combustible dust, ergonomics, material handling, ventilation, industrial hygiene, and worker rights. Guest speakers from organizations such as Johns Hopkins University, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alaska Department of Health, BSI, and multiple seafood companies contribute technical expertise across a wide range of safety topics.
To promote consistent safety standards across the industry, the ASSC is developing a universal onboarding training curriculum and a comprehensive Seafood Safety Handbook, modeled after the North Slope oil industry’s Alaska Safety Handbook. This handbook will provide foundational safety guidance for workers in both land-based plants and vessel operations. The Committee is also designing Alaska’s first seafood-specific safety recognition program, emphasizing leading indicators such as hazard reporting, participation, and preventive action.
To ensure consistency and measurable progress, the ASSC follows ISO 9001-style continuous improvement practices, utilizing structured meeting synthesis worksheets and an action-tracking system. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality-management standard that emphasizes consistent procedures, documented processes, effective communication, and ongoing improvement. The ASSC uses similar concepts to ensure that collaborative efforts result in sustained safety enhancements across Alaska’s seafood industry.
Through collaboration, shared responsibility, and practical safety leadership, the Alaska Seafood Safety Committee is strengthening safety culture across Alaska’s largest manufacturing sector and helping ensure that every seafood worker returns home safe and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions — Alaska Seafood Safety Committee (ASSC)
What is the ASSC?
The Alaska Seafood Safety Committee is a collaborative partnership between AKOSH Consultation and Training and Alaska’s seafood processing companies aimed at improving safety throughout the industry.
Why was the ASSC created?
Seafood processing is Alaska’s largest manufacturing sector and has historically higher rates of injuries and illnesses. The ASSC provides a structured way for AKOSH and industry to share information, address hazards, and build consistent safety practices.
Who participates in the ASSC?
Representatives from 41 seafood processing facilities, along with public health officials, safety professionals, and subject-matter experts.
What issues does the ASSC focus on?
Communicable diseases, ammonia refrigeration and PSM, combustible dust, ergonomics, ventilation, industrial hygiene, worker rights, and workforce training needs.
What major projects are underway?
The ASSC is developing a universal onboarding training curriculum, a Seafood Safety Handbook, and Alaska’s first seafood-specific safety recognition program focused on leading indicators.
How does the ASSC help workers?
By providing consistent training, improving hazard awareness, and strengthening communication between regulators and industry, the ASSC supports safer workplaces for thousands of seafood workers.
last updated: October 23, 2026
