It’s no secret that offshore and maritime injuries are far more common than they should be. While the prevalence of on-the-job injuries is partially due to the inherent hazards of working offshore, there are many steps that maritime companies should – but often don’t – take to protect their workers. As Maritime accident lawyer David Willis explains, many of the most common safety failures are also among the most common causes of job-related injuries for maritime workers.
10 Safety Violations that Frequently Lead to On-the-Job Injuries for Maritime Workers
While many different factors can lead to on-the-job injuries, offshore and maritime workers frequently suffer injuries due to safety violations. Maritime companies have a legal obligation to reduce injury risks for their employees, but many companies fall far short of what is required.
Here are 10 of the most common safety issues that lead to on-the-job injuries for maritime workers:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Failures – Inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE), PPE in poor condition, and inadequate training on the proper use of PPE
- Electrical Hazards – Exposure to electrical faults and other electrical hazards
- Equipment Dangers – Equipment that has not been adequately maintained, equipment not being used for its intended purpose, and inadequate training on the proper use of equipment
- Fire Hazards – Inadequate mitigation of fire hazards, overlooking combustion risks, failure to provide fire extinguishers, and inadequate fire protection systems
- Communication Failures – Inadequate communication of safety hazards, inability to report safety risks, and inaccessibility following an injury
- Unsafe Line Handling and Vessel Movement – Unsafe line handling, collisions due to inadequate training or supervision, and forcing employees to work during unsafe weather or sea conditions
- Leaks and Spills – Slips, falls, and toxic exposure injuries caused by leaks and spills of oil, fuel and other chemicals
- Hazardous Walking Surfaces – Dangerous gangways, inadequate anti-skid protection, cluttered walkways, and other slip and fall hazards
- Missing Labeling and Signage – Missing labels on chemicals and supplies, missing warning signs, and other labeling and signage failures
- Lifeboat and Life Vest Failures – Lifeboats and life vests that are inoperable or inaccessible, and insufficient numbers of lifeboats and life vests for all crew
While this list covers many of the leading causes of offshore and maritime injuries, workers can suffer serious and debilitating injuries due to various other causes as well. Regardless of the specific issues involved (and regardless of whether your injury is due to a possible safety violation), if you have been injured you should speak with a maritime accident lawyer about your legal rights. On-the-job injuries can be costly, and financial compensation is available in many cases. To find out how much you can recover, schedule a free consultation at Willis Law Firm today.
Talk to a Maritime Accident Lawyer for Free
Were you injured on the job? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To discuss your legal rights with maritime accident lawyer David Willis in confidence, call 800-468-4878 or request a free consultation online now. We are available 24/7.
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