Maritime and dock workers play a pivotal role in California’s economy. However, the nature of their work is also one of the riskiest and most dangerous, with regular exposure to harsh weather and heavy machinery accidents.
Here are the five common types of injuries in the maritime industry and the health risks they pose:
Hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses
Seamen spend most of their time boarding large ships. This makes them regularly exposed to cold, aggressive waves and extreme weather. Prolonged exposure to these working conditions can cause a dangerous drop in the body temperature, also known as hypothermia.
Repetitive motion disorder (RMD)
Maritime workers can develop short-term sprains and long-term muscular disorders from repetitive motions of physical labor. These can include continuous pulling and pushing, repetitive bending from lifting of heavy equipment and prolonged vibrations from handheld tools.
Back and spinal injuries
Falling or slipping from wet surfaces is common in the maritime industry. Unfortunately, some slipping accidents can cause severe or long-term damage to the back and spine. These medical conditions include disc herniation, spinal fractures and paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can vary from mild to severe cases. For example, heavy equipment may hit a worker in the head, causing a mild concussion. In another case, a worker may get an acquired brain injury from a near drowning experience that caused a reduced oxygen supply to their brain.
Near drowning or drowning
Known as one of the most dangerous accidents in the maritime industry, wrongful death from drowning can happen from a vessel capsizing or a worker accidentally falling into the ocean due to a violent storm. In tragic cases, the worker’s body may never be found again.
3 types of benefits for injured maritime workers in California
Injured maritime workers can seek financial support in several different ways in California. Eligibility will depend on the worker’s specific role and their employer’s location.
- California Workers’ Compensation: This type of claim covers maritime workers classified as employees working onshore or within California’s jurisdiction.
- Jones Act: This type of claim covers seamen who were injured due to employer negligence.
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act: This type of claim extends protection to shipbuilders and other harbor workers who are not covered by state laws.
A career as a maritime worker does not have to come at the cost of a long-term illness or a physical disability. By understanding the options available to you, you can protect your rights and pursue the fair compensation that you deserve.