Maritime and offshore environments, while often rewarding, can be perilous. Workers in this industry face unique risks that employees in other industries do not.
Understanding the most common types of injuries– specific to maritime and offshore employment– can help you take the necessary precautions and seek appropriate legal recourse when needed.
Slip and falls
Wet surfaces, uneven flooring and cluttered work areas are prevalent on ships and offshore platforms. While some of this is to be expected and inevitable, your employer has certain responsibilities when it comes to ensuring that any potential hazards are kept to a minimum.
Slip and falls can lead to minor or catastrophic injuries, from sprains and fractures to severe head and brain injuries that require brain surgery. It is critical to understand that while it is common to see a cluttered environment, your employer is responsible for providing you with safe working conditions.
Lifting and overexertion injuries
Heavy lifting is a common aspect of maritime work, whether it is loading cargo or handling equipment. Overexertion can happen easily, especially if you are not trained to lift items in a way that minimizes the risk of hurting yourself. While the typical strain and sprain can seem like nothing, a back injury can lead to a lifetime of pain.
Crash injuries
When a worker is caught between two objects– like heavy machinery, equipment or cargo or when heavy items fall, it can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, fractures, internal bleeding or even amputation of body parts.
Burns and chemical exposure
You can easily be exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals, which can lead to burns or respiratory issues that can linger and lead to even worse health problems. If you work in an environment where there are flammable materials, fires and explosions are also risks you take every day you go to work. Your employer has a duty to follow safety protocol, train you properly and mitigate risks.
Drowning and water-related injuries
Working at sea carries, inherently, the risk of drowning. However, if that happens to you because your employer did not provide you with the proper gear, safety lines or training, your family should be concerned and talk to us about what that could mean.
Maritime and offshore work is hazardous. However, that does not mean that maritime employers cannot employ workers, just like engineers hire workers at construction sites. It does, however, mean that the employer has to take special precautions consistent with the specific dangers present at their work site. If you or a loved one suffered an injury at a maritime or offshore site, it is critical to seek legal counsel.
