3 Scenarios That Lead To Worker Injuries On Container Ships

Container ships are large and therefore relatively efficient. They can transport huge amounts of cargo for a variety of clients simultaneously. They also provide a stable source of income for the maritime workers tasked with operating the vessel or providing security services. However, as with any job, working on a container ship comes with some degree of personal risk. Employees can end up hurt and in need of compensation. Often, they will need to go to court because standard workers’ compensation coverage will not apply in an offshore environment or when a ship is docked at a harbor.

There are certain job hazards that are more likely to lead to maritime injuries than others. The following are the most significant hazards for those working on a container ship.

Fires and explosions

Given that there are such a large number of containers, often from a variety of different origins, the workers on a container ship probably have no idea what is in individual containers. Even though shipping companies often have rules limiting what clients can put in containers, there may not be much effort to check. Flammable and explosive materials could end up overheated or damaged due to rough oceans, ultimately leading to fires or explosions. Workers can suffer injuries caused by  a fire or explosion or when they need to abandon the vessel due to an emergency.

Collisions

Colliding with other vessels, docks or even offshore infrastructure is a leading cause of container ship incidents reported to government regulatory authorities. Such incidents can lead to traumatic injuries for workers or scenarios in which the vessel ends up foundering, which can be equally perilous.

Containers moving on the ship

Large containers on a container ship are typically very heavy, but they may not have much other than their weight holding them in place. During times of inclement weather or when there are large waves, containers may move, causing crushing or trapped between incidents. They could also fall, which could lead to an assortment of different injuries.

Workers hurt in such scenarios may have sizable medical expenses and concerns about lost wages. Avoiding job risk factors can only mitigate the likelihood of incurring harm to a specific extent, so offshore workers also need to know about their right to pursue compensation if they get hurt due to  regulatory infractions or negligent practices on the part of their employers.