Harbor workers and longshoremen are at risk of injury and death. Maritime careers tend to be relatively dangerous, even when compared with other blue-collar professions. Workers typically receive competitive pay and benefits because of the risks that they accept related to their employment.
Injuries sustained on the job could leave harbor workers and longshoremen unable to return to work for months or indefinitely. They may also have significant medical expenses to address. Harbor workers and longshoremen have protection under federal rules if they get hurt on the job.
Knowing about common workplace hazards can help maritime employees recognize that employers may have been negligent about addressing known risk factors. The following are the top safety concerns for harbor workers and longshoremen.
Vehicle incidents
When looking at many of the most serious injuries in recent years, many of them involve some type of vehicle. Forklifts, front-end loaders, hi-los and semi-trucks can all injure harbor workers and longshoremen. The vessels they need to load and unload can also cause crush injuries, amputation and even death through accidental contact. Proper maintenance of equipment and training of professionals operating machinery is crucial for workers safety.
Falls and drowning incidents
When harbor workers or longshoremen fall into the water, they may fall from a significant elevation. The force of impact may render them unconscious, putting them at risk of drowning. Even if other people get them out of the water safely, they could still sustain injuries that could change the course of their lives. Workers can also end up hurt because of slippery conditions that cause same-level falls. Professionals can break bones or develop brain injuries because they slip and fall.
Issues with cargo
There are many ways in which handling cargo can lead to worker injuries. Perhaps they begin unloading a vessel that has dangerous chemicals on board. Leaks might lead to exposure that causes illness or unconsciousness. Improperly-loaded cargo and cargo elevated for transfer could fall and strike a worker, causing severe injury or death. Improperly balanced loads and items too close to the edge of warehouse shelving, semi-truck trailers or vessels could cause preventable incidents that injure harbor workers or longshoremen.
The process of securing compensation for injuries sustained at a harbor can be more challenging than a standard workers’ compensation claim. Securing appropriate support when pursuing compensation for lost wages and medical expenses can help injured maritime professionals limit their economic hardship.