Build-a-Boat Workshop Raises Concerns Over Regulatory Compliance
Houston, Texas
Regulators have a host of questions this week after Build-a-Boat Workshop announced new contracts with China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Build-a-Boat has made waves in recent years as a destination for children’s birthday parties in both strip and regular malls across America.
Investigators from the Federal Trade Commission and OSHA cited Build-a-Boat’s longtime laissez-faire attitude towards youth power tool usage along with a litany of injuries to both customers and staff. The company encourages families, particularly families with young children, to come to their locations to bond over the construction of watercraft.
“Build-a-Boat has billed itself as the shipyard for the gig economy, but some recent shifts have raised alarm bells here. The discounts they offer birthday parties who build ships specifically designed to weather the conditions of the Taiwan strait may force our hand in terms of taking some enforcement action here.” said Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre.
This would not be the first time safety regulations have been enforced as cover for national security aims in this industry. Exxon Kidz in the late 90s brought a host of scrutiny as children enrolled in the program continued to return from exchange programs at international oil fields as practicing Wahabi Muslims. The program was eventually ended when a supply vessel capsizing in the Gulf of America caused 37 children, 2 supervisory interns, and a classroom pet hamster to become lost at sea.