Working as a deckhand aboard a maritime vessel is an arduous physical job. Deckhands are exposed to the elements for long periods. They are at constant risk of injury.
Certain hazards are more prominent than others when looking at federal workplace safety data. The three hazards below are among the most common sources of major injuries to deckhands.
1. Overexertion injuries
The physical demands of working as a deckhand often require that professionals lift significant amounts repeatedly. All it takes is one lift conducted with improper ergonomics for a deckhand to sustain major injuries. They may then be unable to perform key job functions for weeks.
2. Sudden falls
Deckhands rushing around are constantly at risk of slipping on wet surfaces or tripping on nets or equipment. They may then fall. Falls are dangerous if they result in a deckhand going into the water. They can also cause broken bones and brain injuries if the deckhand stays aboard.
3. Struck-by machinery incidents
There are many different pieces of heavy equipment on board any given maritime vessel. Accidental contact with heavy equipment can cause catastrophic injuries in some cases.
Deckhands and other seafaring professionals injured on maritime vessels may have a right to seek compensation for both cure and maintenance under the Jones Act. Those injured in an offshore employment location may need assistance, as Jones Act claims are far more complex than a simple workers’ compensation claim.
Reviewing an injurious incident and the expenses it has generated with a maritime injury lawyer can help professionals minimize the financial setbacks caused by on-the-job incidents.