It takes hundreds of different professionals to effectively operate a cruise ship. From chefs and maintenance professionals to security workers, there are dozens of different types of workers employed on cruise ships. Cruise ship employees enjoy travel to exciting destinations and sometimes competitive wages, depending on what services they provide.
Unfortunately, they also have to deal with some degree of risk because of their work. Cruise ship employees who get hurt on the job usually do not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Instead, they must pursue a more complex claim based on federal laws that protect maritime workers. Cruise ship workers can reduce their risk of financial setbacks and career challenges by avoiding the most common risk factors while at work.
Violence in the workplace
Cruise ships place a large number of people, many of whom are strangers, in a close environment. Travel can create high levels of stress that push people to act in erratic ways. After adding copious amounts of alcohol to the mix, it’s easy to see how violence can be a concern on cruise ships. From assaults carried out by belligerent and drunk passengers to injuries suffered when investigating or intervening in crimes on cruise ships, there are many opportunities for cruise ship workers to end up hurt by violence on the job.
Pathogen or chemical exposure
Acquired illnesses are a major hazard for those working in environments with high concentrations of other people. On cruise ships, illnesses can spread rapidly among passengers and workers alike. Contaminated food and water supplies can also lead to job-acquired illnesses that put employees in the hospital or render them unable to do their jobs. There are also chemicals that workers may encounter through their employment, especially if they work in facility maintenance, that could injure or sicken them.
Injuries due to falls or repetitive strain
Some cruise ship workers perform the same tasks repeatedly day after day. Whether they scrub walls or chop vegetables, they could be at risk of repetitive stress injuries. The medical conditions they develop due to repetitive job functions could force them to switch professions or saddle them with function-limiting pain symptoms. Cruise ship workers also have to worry about the possibility of falling. Obviously, a fall overboard could have catastrophic consequences for a maritime worker. However, falls on board are equally concerning. They can cause brain injuries, broken bones and painful soft tissue injuries that leave someone unable to do their job.
Cruise ship employees injured in the maritime environment may need to take legal action using the Jones Act. Pursuing a lawsuit can help an injured cruise ship employee obtain coverage for medical expenses and replacement for lost wages. Employees who understand common job hazards may find it easier to protect their interests both before injuries have the chance to occur and in the event that they do.
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