Common hazards that shipbuilders face at work

People who work in the shipbuilding industry are often subjected to hazardous conditions. Employers have a duty to mitigate those hazards, but there’s still a chance that accidents will occur. While it isn’t always easy to address the safety issues that come with this job.

The diversity of jobs within the industry mean there are a plethora of risks that workers face. Some of the more common ones include:

• Repetitive motion injuries that cause damage to the body’s structures slowly over time
• Slip-and-fall injuries caused by slick flooring or things like cables being placed across the floor
• Auditory damage caused by loud or constant noises without proper ear protection
• Chemical burns due to exposure to solvents and other chemicals used during the building process
• Drownings caused by water hazards, including flooded ship compartments
• Shocks, electrocutions and burns caused by electrical hazards, fires or explosions
• Crush hazards from items falling or rolling onto the worker

Unfortunately, shipbuilders who are involved in incidents at work can suffer from catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord or brain injuries that may lead to permanent damage. These can leave them unable to work and with considerable medical bills. That doesn’t even include the potential for lifelong impacts that might come because of the injury.

They might opt to pursue a claim through the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Working with an attorney who’s familiar with these types of cases is imperative because there are a lot of points that must be considered throughout the process. It’s imperative that you ensure your rights are protected.