In shipyards, on offshore platforms, and at industrial sites, high-pressure water blasting (or “hydroblasting”) is a common and effective way to strip paint, rust, and tough coatings from surfaces. But the immense power of these tools — which can shoot water at pressures exceeding 20,000 PSI or even 40,000 PSI — makes them incredibly dangerous.
An accident with a water blaster isn’t a minor incident. The focused stream can be as damaging as a surgical scalpel or even a gunshot, causing catastrophic, life-altering injuries in a split second.
At Lambert Zainey, our injury lawyers have seen the devastating aftermath of these accidents. We understand the forces involved and the severe harm they can cause. If you were injured in a water blasting accident, it’s critical to understand the severity of your injury and your legal rights.
How Water Blasting Causes Such Severe Injuries
The danger comes from the sheer force of the water jet. Unlike a regular pressure washer, an industrial hydroblaster creates a stream so powerful it can:
- Puncture and Cut: Instantly slice through boots, gloves, and protective gear, cutting deep into skin, muscle, and even bone.
- Inject Water and Debris: Force water, rust, paint, chemicals, and bacteria deep into the body. This can lead to severe infections, tissue death (necrosis), and compartment syndrome — a medical emergency.
- Cause Amputations: The force is strong enough to sever fingers, toes, or even parts of limbs.
- Create Powerful Thrust: The “kick” from the wand can be powerful enough to throw an operator off balance, causing falls from heights or impacts with other equipment.
Even a near-miss can be dangerous, as the high pressure can damage hoses or fittings, causing them to whip around violently and strike workers.
Common Causes of Hydroblasting Accidents
These incidents are almost always preventable and are often caused by negligence or unsafe conditions. Common causes include:
- Equipment Failure: A worn-out hose, a broken trigger mechanism, a faulty pressure valve, or a defective nozzle can lead to disaster.
- Inadequate Training: Operators who are not properly trained on how to handle the equipment, manage the pressure, and react in an emergency.
- Lack of Proper PPE: Failure to provide or require the use of specialized protective gear like steel-toed boots, metatarsal guards, face shields, and waterproof suits.
- Unsafe Work Area: Working in slippery conditions, cluttered spaces, or without proper communication with other crew members.
- Improper Supervision: Not having a “buddy system” or adequate oversight for such a dangerous task.
These accidents often happen in shipyards or on offshore platforms. Workers in these areas may have rights under the LHWCA or OCSLA.
Your Legal Rights After a Water Blasting Injury
If you were injured in a water blasting accident, the legal path to getting compensation depends on your job and where you were hurt.
- If you are a dockworker or shipyard worker: You are likely covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides benefits for medical treatment and lost wages. Importantly, you may also be able to file a third-party lawsuit against a negligent party who was not your direct employer (like the manufacturer of faulty equipment or another contractor).
- If you are a seaman on a vessel (Jones Act): You can sue your employer for negligence if they failed to provide a safe workplace, proper training, or safe equipment. You may also have a claim for Unseaworthiness if the water blasting equipment was considered part of the vessel’s gear and was not fit for its intended use.
- If you are an industrial plant worker: You may be covered by state workers’ compensation but could also have a third-party claim against the equipment manufacturer or an outside contractor.
Understanding which law applies is complex. Learn more on our main Maritime Injury Page or our Industrial Accidents Page.
Get Our FREE Guide to Protect Your Claim
What you do after an accident is critical. Insurance companies will try to get you to make mistakes that can hurt your claim. Our free guide can help you avoid these traps.
Download our complimentary guide: “5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Any Maritime Accident” to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your rights.
Hurt by a High-Pressure Water Blaster? We Can Help.
Water blasting injuries are severe and require immediate, specialized medical attention and experienced legal guidance. The attorneys at Lambert Zainey have the knowledge and resources to investigate these accidents and fight for the compensation you need to cover a lifetime of medical care and lost income.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Call Us 24/7: 800-521-1750 📞
Or Fill Out Our Secure Online Contact Form
In shipyards, on offshore platforms, and at industrial sites, high-pressure water blasting (or “hydroblasting”) is a common and effective way to strip paint, rust, and tough coatings from surfaces. But the immense power of these tools — which can shoot water at pressures exceeding 20,000 PSI or even 40,000 PSI — makes them incredibly dangerous.
An accident with a water blaster isn’t a minor incident. The focused stream can be as damaging as a surgical scalpel or even a gunshot, causing catastrophic, life-altering injuries in a split second.
At Lambert Zainey, our injury lawyers have seen the devastating aftermath of these accidents. We understand the forces involved and the severe harm they can cause. If you were injured in a water blasting accident, it’s critical to understand the severity of your injury and your legal rights.
How Water Blasting Causes Such Severe Injuries
The danger comes from the sheer force of the water jet. Unlike a regular pressure washer, an industrial hydroblaster creates a stream so powerful it can:
- Puncture and Cut: Instantly slice through boots, gloves, and protective gear, cutting deep into skin, muscle, and even bone.
- Inject Water and Debris: Force water, rust, paint, chemicals, and bacteria deep into the body. This can lead to severe infections, tissue death (necrosis), and compartment syndrome — a medical emergency.
- Cause Amputations: The force is strong enough to sever fingers, toes, or even parts of limbs.
- Create Powerful Thrust: The “kick” from the wand can be powerful enough to throw an operator off balance, causing falls from heights or impacts with other equipment.
Even a near-miss can be dangerous, as the high pressure can damage hoses or fittings, causing them to whip around violently and strike workers.
Common Causes of Hydroblasting Accidents
These incidents are almost always preventable and are often caused by negligence or unsafe conditions. Common causes include:
- Equipment Failure: A worn-out hose, a broken trigger mechanism, a faulty pressure valve, or a defective nozzle can lead to disaster.
- Inadequate Training: Operators who are not properly trained on how to handle the equipment, manage the pressure, and react in an emergency.
- Lack of Proper PPE: Failure to provide or require the use of specialized protective gear like steel-toed boots, metatarsal guards, face shields, and waterproof suits.
- Unsafe Work Area: Working in slippery conditions, cluttered spaces, or without proper communication with other crew members.
- Improper Supervision: Not having a “buddy system” or adequate oversight for such a dangerous task.
These accidents often happen in shipyards or on offshore platforms. Workers in these areas may have rights under the LHWCA or OCSLA.
Your Legal Rights After a Water Blasting Injury
If you were injured in a water blasting accident, the legal path to getting compensation depends on your job and where you were hurt.
- If you are a dockworker or shipyard worker: You are likely covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides benefits for medical treatment and lost wages. Importantly, you may also be able to file a third-party lawsuit against a negligent party who was not your direct employer (like the manufacturer of faulty equipment or another contractor).
- If you are a seaman on a vessel (Jones Act): You can sue your employer for negligence if they failed to provide a safe workplace, proper training, or safe equipment. You may also have a claim for Unseaworthiness if the water blasting equipment was considered part of the vessel’s gear and was not fit for its intended use.
- If you are an industrial plant worker: You may be covered by state workers’ compensation but could also have a third-party claim against the equipment manufacturer or an outside contractor.
Understanding which law applies is complex. Learn more on our main Maritime Injury Page or our Industrial Accidents Page.
Get Our FREE Guide to Protect Your Claim
What you do after an accident is critical. Insurance companies will try to get you to make mistakes that can hurt your claim. Our free guide can help you avoid these traps.
Download our complimentary guide: “5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Any Maritime Accident” to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your rights.
Hurt by a High-Pressure Water Blaster? We Can Help.
Water blasting injuries are severe and require immediate, specialized medical attention and experienced legal guidance. The attorneys at Lambert Zainey have the knowledge and resources to investigate these accidents and fight for the compensation you need to cover a lifetime of medical care and lost income.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Call Us 24/7: 800-521-1750 📞
Or Fill Out Our Secure Online Contact Form
