Benzene is a cancer-causing chemical that is used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including applications in the maritime setting. Fuels, oils, solvents and numerous other products used throughout boats, ships and barges contain benzene—often in potentially dangerous quantities and concentrations.
Working on a cargo ship can be dangerous. While ship owners, shipping companies, and all of the various other companies involved in transporting cargo around the world should take steps to ensure that crew members’ safety isn’t at risk at sea, it is clear that far too many fail to do so. Accidents on cargo ships are extremely common, and many of these accidents have devastating physical and financial consequences for the crew members involved.
If you work on a ship or other vessel and have suffered a lifting injury on the job, you are not alone. These are among the most common maritime work injuries, especially among deckhands and others who spend their days moving equipment, cargo and other heavy objects.
