It’s not an easy job to work on the docks. Dock workers face all kinds of serious injuries while working in the maritime industry, such as being crushed or exposed to toxins.
Dock workers deserve to be compensated fairly if they are hurt on the job. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act should provide medical benefits and help with lost wages if you are hurt while working on a dock.
5 common dock worker injuries seen in the maritime industry
There are many different kinds of injuries that take place in the maritime industry. Here are five that are most common among dock workers.
- Lifting injuries
Lifting heavy objects, unloading boats and working with cargo can cause serious injuries, like lifting injuries due to repetitive strain. To avoid these injuries, the right tools and equipment should be used to lift cargo. Good lifting techniques may also help prevent back strain, neck injuries or other damage.
- Crushing injuries
When you’re working with large cargo boxes, heavy machinery and ships, there are several places in which you could be pinned or crushed. Dock workers could be pinned between the dock and vessel, for example, which could put their lives at risk.
- Traumatic brain injuries
Like with crushing injuries, the fact that dock workers are around so many moving parts makes them susceptible to head injuries. Slip-and-fall incidents or falling object accidents may lead to brain injuries.
- Toxic exposure
Toxic exposure could happen as dock workers come into contact with diesel fuel, hazardous chemicals being transported by sea or other biohazards. Leaks are among the most common causes of toxic exposure, and those exposures can lead to serious burns and illnesses.
- Slip-and-fall accidents
There’s no question about it: Docks are slippery when wet. It’s possible that workers could slip and fall, which has the potential to lead to broken bones, head injuries, sprains and strains, lacerations and other serious injuries.
Maritime workers have a right to be as safe as possible on the job. If they are injured, then they may be able to seek compensation for what they’ve gone through.