The maritime industry is one of the most critical sectors in the world, responsible for transporting goods and people from one place to another. However, it’s also one of the world’s most dangerous industries, with a high rate of accidents and fatalities. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most dangerous maritime jobs that require workers to live life on the edge.
Commercial Diving
Commercial diving is one of the most dangerous maritime jobs. This job requires workers to go deep underwater and involves inspecting and repairing structures like oil rigs, ships, and harbors. Divers encounter various hazards like rapid changes in water pressure, loss of visibility, equipment failure, and entanglement with fishing lines or nets. Accidents while performing this job can cause severe injuries like decompression sickness, hypothermia, and drowning.
Underwater Welding
As an underwater welder, you’ll face several unique challenges, such as working in cold temperatures and low visibility. Ensuring safety equipment and protocols are up to date is critical for your well-being. A specialized training program and certification is mandatory to become an underwater welder. While potential risks and hazards cannot be completely eliminated, being aware of them can help minimize their impact.
Offshore Oil Rig Workers
Workers on offshore oil rigs face many serious hazards, including the risk of explosions, fires, and equipment failures. Physical endurance and mental toughness are needed to work long hours while away from home for extended periods. To minimize potential hazards, offshore workers must follow safety protocols such as drills and use safety equipment.
Seamen
Working as a seaman in the maritime industry demands extensive experience in dealing with dangerous work conditions. As a seaman onboard ships or oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, you must be vigilant about safety precautions while operating heavy machinery and handling dangerous chemicals. You may face hazards such as drowning, amputations, head injuries due to falling objects, or machinery accidents.
Longshoremen, Cargo Workers & Dock Workers
Longshoremen, cargo workers, and dock workers face many work hazards. For example, handling heavy cargo puts them at risk of lifting injuries such as back injuries, hernias, and musculoskeletal strains. The repetitive nature of their tasks and the use of heavy equipment contribute to these risks. Slip and fall incidents are also common in their line of work due to poor lighting and slick surfaces.
Ships and ports produce loud noises, which can lead to long-term health problems such as hearing loss and tinnitus. These workers are also often exposed to various chemicals, like oil, pesticides, and industrial cleaning products, which can result in skin irritation, burns, and respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can have severe health consequences.
Shipbuilders
Shipbuilding is among the many dangerous jobs in the maritime industry and requires extensive experience to ensure safety precautions are followed during operations. Workers in shipyards are often exposed to hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures, and heavy machinery, which can lead to injury or illness.
Commercial Fishermen
Commercial fishing has high injury and fatality rates. Fishermen are exposed to extreme weather conditions, as well as heavy equipment like cranes and winches that pose a significant threat of amputation or head injuries if not handled carefully. They also face unpredictable and dangerous weather and wildlife during their work on the sea.
Compensation for Injured Maritime Workers
Workers in all of the most dangerous maritime jobs have some type of legal protection if they are injured at work. The compensation that may be available varies depending on the circumstances of their injury and the specific laws that apply to their job. In most cases, injured workers can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Some may also be eligible for disability benefits or vocational rehabilitation services to help them return to work.
How to Stay Safe at Sea
Staying safe while working on the sea is crucial for all maritime workers. To ensure that you’re doing everything possible to keep yourself safe, take these steps:
What Are Your Legal Rights as a Maritime Worker?
Maritime workers are protected by federal laws like the Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, which provide compensation for injuries sustained while working on docks or at sea. It is also their right to have a safe workplace and proper training. If these rights are violated, a maritime lawyer can help you determine the best legal action to take.
Attorneys for Injured Maritime Workers
Having knowledge of your legal rights is crucial in the dangerous realm of maritime industry work. The New Orleans maritime lawyers at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso have more than 40 years of experience representing injured maritime workers. Our team of attorneys possesses an exceptional understanding of the maritime industry and the applicable laws governing employers and employees alike.
We take pride in our reputation for staunchly fighting for injured workers’ rights and ensuring that they receive the full compensation they are entitled to. Call us today at (800) 521-1750 to schedule a free consultation.