Maritime workers on container ships are the foundation of global commerce. Their labor is crucial for the maintenance of ships that are responsible for transporting the vessels that carry millions of containers across the globe’s seas.
While modern vessels are engineered for efficiency and scale, they can still carry a range of safety hazards for the workers.
Fire and smoke
Fires aboard container ships are one of the most dangerous and hard-to-manage incidents. Containers can carry a wide variety of hazardous materials whose properties may be unknown or improperly declared.
When a fire starts in the cargo stack or in machinery spaces, the smoke can spread quickly and endanger the lives of crew members.
Slip and fall accidents
Performing on-deck work, cargo handling and movement around the vessel can expose a maritime worker to a serious slipping accident or an overboard fall. Aside from this, they can also fall from height while doing their hatch cover operations to keep the containers protected from elements.
Other common slip and fall hazards can occur from wet, slippery or oily surfaces, poor lighting and loose equipment.
Weather and heavy seas
Severe weather, violent waves and high sea states produce dynamic loads on the vessel and its cargo. When this occurs, the container stacks can slam against each other and fall, endangering the safety of maritime workers within the area.
As a maritime worker, you are protected under the Jones Act
If you were involved in a maritime accident due to employer negligence or unsafe vessel conditions, the Jones Act allows you to file a lawsuit against your employer for damages. By seeking legal representation for your case, you can protect your rights, file your claim and receive the compensation that you deserve.