Maritime work is often dangerous and hard. Because of this, many maritime workers suffer injuries as a result of occupational hazards.
The following are just a few of the common accidents workers face when working on a ship.
1. Slip-and-fall injuries
It’s very likely that a maritime worker may suffer from a work-related slip-and-fall injury. The surface of a ship deck is often covered in water and rain, which can make it especially slick. While workers often wear special gear to prevent them from falling, it can still happen. A slip-and-fall accident is often minor, but it can lead to broken bones and concussions. An injury such as that could lead to someone being unable to work.
2. Falling from a great height
Some workers slip and fall to their feet. However, a slip and fall may also occur when a worker is standing on a catwalk or gangway. If the worker falls from the catwalk or gangway, then they could suffer more injuries because of how high the drop was.
3. Mechanical accidents
If there’s a sudden mechanical issue on a ship, it could lead to fires or explosions. Workers who are in the vicinity of these mechanical issues could suffer burns and other severe injuries.
4. Chemical exposure
Ships transport a variety of different goods, including oil and other chemicals. Workers could be exposed to chemicals if a cargo containing hazardous substances suffers a puncture during shipment. Skin exposure or inhaling chemicals can lead to many physical and mental illnesses.
5. Vessel disaster
In some cases, a ship may no longer remain afloat. This could happen in a number of ways, resulting from a collision, leaks or strong waves. When this happens, it’s considered a vessel disaster. Ship workers may be injured in a number of ways because of a vessel disaster. For example, if a ship takes on water, it could trap workers. Or, a capsized ship may leave workers stranded in the water, which could lead to severe medical conditions.
As a maritime worker, it’s important to know that accidents such as the above may cause injuries that are eligible for benefits that may be able to help you recover from your injuries and return to work.
