3 long-term health hazards that affect many maritime workers

Oftentimes, people focus primarily on injury risks and social concerns when discussing the hazards of maritime employment. However, there are also long-term health concerns associated with offshore professions.

Maritime workers can potentially develop chronic medical conditions because of their work arrangements. They may then have a complicated process ahead of them as they seek compensation for their medical challenges. The following are some of the chronic or long-term medical issues most commonly associated with work in the maritime sector.

Increased cancer risk

A variety of different maritime adjacent professions may have elevated cancer risks. For example, those who work in shipbuilding and maintenance may have unsafe levels of asbestos exposure that put them at risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. Those working on vessels may have exposure to a host of hazardous materials that could lead to cancer eventually. Frequently, exposure-related cancers may develop long after someone leaves a particular position or retires from maritime work.

Mental health challenges

Maritime work involves a lot of stress, social isolation and inadequate rest. Any of those factors on their own can lead to mental health challenges. The combination of all three can lead to mental health challenges for maritime workers. Not only may workers develop mental health disorders, but they may also develop a habit of self-medicating. Many workers turn to illicit drugs or alcohol. They can cause long-term damage to their bodies through substance abuse and may also put themselves at risk of injury on the job in some cases.

Repetitive stress injuries

Maritime workers often perform the same job functions over and over again throughout the day. They may strain their bodies in ways that cause minor damage. Repeated over many years, those minor injuries can lead to significant cumulative trauma that affects someone’s ability to work.

Maritime workers who develop medical conditions theoretically have the same basic rights as those who suffer sudden traumatic injuries. They may be able to request compensation by pursuing a Jones Act lawsuit. As such, learning more about the right to maintenance and cure can benefit injured or sickened maritime employees.