For maritime workers who are exposed to gasoline, diesel, and other hazardous substances on the job, the risk of developing AML leukemia is a very real concern. Prolonged exposure to these hazardous substances is known to cause AML leukemia, and many workers in the maritime industry are exposed to these substances on a daily basis.
Maritime workers face several health and safety risks every day they spend on the job. Along with the risk of suffering physical injuries, this includes the risk of developing serious illnesses such as AML leukemia.
If you clean barges for a living, you face health and safety risks on a daily basis. Barges transport oil, coal, trash, debris, and various types of chemicals; and, once they have been emptied, they need to be cleaned. But, cleaning an emptied barge can be extremely dangerous, and many barge cleaners find themselves in need of an experienced Texas maritime injury lawyer. Understanding the Risks You Face as a Barge Cleaner Barge cleaners face both visible and invisible risks when doing their jobs. Unfortunately, while companies are supposed to ensure that their barge cleaners are working in safe environments, many do not. As a result, barge cleaners routinely face risks such as: Biological Hazards – Working in close proximity to sewage, decomposing material, mold, and other biological hazards can expose barge cleaners to various health risks. Flammable and Combustible Materials – Oil and fuel residue, trash, uncontrolled electricity, and other fire and combustion risks can leave barge cleaners suffering from severe burns, if not life-threatening injuries. Exposure to Harmful Fumes and Particulates – Breathing in fumes and particulates can cause lung damage and respiratory conditions that can affect barge cleaners for the rest of their lives. Exposure to Harmful Noise – When working inside of barges, barge cleaners can be exposed to noises that are loud enough to cause ear injuries and temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals – Skin exposure to toxic chemicals can also cause severe and painful burns, and these injuries can leave […]
Barges can be dangerous workplaces. There is usually a lot going on, and, from rough seas to coworker negligence, there are numerous issues that can put barge workers at risk for serious on-the-job injuries. While the good news is that injured barge workers will typically be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act, the bad news is that securing this compensation can be very difficult.
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river on the North American continent bordering or passing through Arkansas, Mississippi, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisiana. This famous river can be divided into three main sections: the Upper Mississippi, the Middle Mississippi, and the Lower Mississippi. Unfortunately, although the Mississippi River is a popular source of transportation for cargo on barges, it has experienced significant pollution and environmental problems over the years. Additionally, many dangers lurk below and above this waterway, causing dangerous perils for thousands of voyagers traveling up and down the Mississippi each year. Below, our Mississippi barge injury lawyer discusses three tips to avoid dangerous perils that await Mississippi River voyagers. Beware of Hazardous Twists and Turns on the Mississippi River The Mississippi River has stretches of high and low water that have made the passage up and down this river treacherous for travelers. Especially when the river floods, it can create an aquatic obstacle course for travelers, creating current traps and sandbars that cut into the main navigation channel. Mississippi voyagers should be prepared for these twists and turns along their trip. Watch for Dangerous and Rapid Currents Sometimes the Mississippi River’s current is traveling at a high velocity. Dangerous currents can cause vessels to lose control and collide with other boats or even bridges and embankments, severely damaging vessels and causing injuries to workers, passengers, and even bystanders. Be Prepared for Changing Water Levels The Mississippi River’s water levels can frequently change, causing changes in […]
Millions of Americans either work aboard a vessel or enjoy recreational boating each year. While doing so, it is important to take certain safety precautions to prevent serious injuries, including death. Below are four tips to decrease injuries while aboard a vessel in Louisiana. Wear U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets Barge workers and individuals enjoying recreational boating activities should wear life jackets while aboard a vessel that are appropriately-sized and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. You should always make sure your life jacket is in good condition before departing on your voyage. Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before or During Working on a Barge or Recreational Boating Outings Vessel operators and passengers should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages before or during working or recreating on a boat or vessel. Alcohol has been proven to impair cognitive abilities, affect judgment, and compromise balance, which can cause injuries such as falling overboard, slipping and falling, or even colliding with another vessel. Use the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron’s Vessel Safety Check Service Before departing on a voyage, the operator of a vessel (and/or vessel owner) should use the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron’s Vessel Safety Check Service. This service encourages checking items such as display numbers, registration documents, personal flotation devices, visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and more. Below are some additional safety resources from the U.S. Coast Guard and OSHA: U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division OSHA Deck Barge Safety OSHA Safety and […]
About the Port of South Louisiana The Port of South Louisiana extends along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, centering at the Port’s headquarters at LaPlace, Louisiana. This busy port is especially critical for grain shipments from the Midwest. Additionally, according to the Port of South Louisiana, this port is the largest tonnage port district in America and the western hemisphere. It is the premier gateway for export and import traffic in the United States. Additionally, this bustling port, along with Louisiana’s other ports, including the Port of New Orleans and the Port of Baton Rouge, is important for the nation’s economy. These three ports each rank high in total trade by port as compared to all world ports. Thousands of vessels carrying large amounts of tonnage pass through these ports each year. With such high maritime traffic coming in and out of these ports each year, unfortunately, severe injuries to maritime workers, tourists, and even local residents are inevitable. Read below for information on common injuries sustained by port workers, travelers, and the legal remedies available to compensate victims for such injuries. Common Maritime Accidents and Injuries Sustained in Louisiana Ports Common examples of maritime accidents, such as from boats, barges, or other watercraft, that may occur in Louisiana ports include but are not limited to: collisions with other vessels, fires, slips and falls from wet surfaces, and equipment malfunctions. Injuries sustained from these types of accidents can cause serious injuries such as: Drowning Fractured and […]
