Marinas can be some of the most dangerous places to work, but they don’t have to be. With the right safety precautions and hazard prevention techniques, marinas can be safe for dock workers, boaters and others.
Whether you use a personal watercraft or you are working with a major cargo company, you deserve to be safe when you’re on a dock or on site at a marina. If you work for the marina, then you should be aware of your rights under the law, especially if you are employed to work on vessels.
Marina property risks don’t just include drowning
Most people know that drowning is a possibility when you work around water, but that isn’t the only potential accident that could take place. In a marina, dockworkers and other seamen may face fires caused by fueling or electrical faults on vessels. They could deal with environmental hazards, like exposure to oil or fuel due to leaks.
There is also a real risk of collisions between vessels that are coming in to dock. While many large vessels approach slowly and will dock safely, mistakes with the angle of the approach or a misunderstanding of how fast they’re approaching could lead to the captain or others in control of the vessel colliding with another. A collision could lead to fall accidents, crushing injuries and other serious concerns.
When you’re working in a marina, docking or otherwise involved in working at sea, you need to take steps to stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings, and report anything that appears hazardous. If you’re hurt, you may be able to seek fair compensation under maritime law.