Admiralty Lawyers

The Dangers of Working At Sea

Working at sea can be very stressful and dangerous at times, however, it is the right of all employees to be provided with a safe working environment. While sea workers understand the dangerous nature of the job and take precautions to avoid injuries, there are times when injuries are caused by elements out of the worker’s control. In the case of sea workers, the temperament of the sea plays a large role in the working conditions of the ship. This can, obviously, not be avoided. On the other hand, the employer’s failure to supply workers with proper equipment, training, and assistance to complete their job is something that can and should be taken seriously.

The experience of working at sea is unique in that sea workers not only work on a vessel, but eat, sleep, and live on the vessel as well. In some cases, workers may work long shifts. It is not uncommon for sea workers to take on a 24-hour shift in order to complete a job. Workers that work for extended periods of time need to be monitored to ensure that their health and safety is accounted for at all times. Fatigued workers are more likely to make mistakes which could lead to an injury. It is the responsibility of the manager on duty to decide when a worker may be too fatigued to work.

Working at sea also involves working with dangerous machinery and other equipment. Employers are responsible for the maintenance and safety of all machinery or equipment onboard the vessel. Also, the employer is responsible for training workers how to use the equipment properly.

Finally, dangerous substances are also a serious concern for sea workers. Ships may contain various types of chemicals, substances, or materials that can cause serious injuries and long-term health conditions. An example of this is the use of asbestos in ships. Symptoms of asbestos exposure do not show themselves until many years after the initial exposure, making it incredibly difficult to diagnose at an early stage. If you believe that you have been exposed to dangerous substances while working on a vessel, contact a doctor for a check up.

While injuries may occur at any part of the ship at any time, injuries caused by the negligence of your employer should be discussed with an admiralty lawyer immediately. A skilled attorney will be able to evaluate your case and provide you with the legal assistance and guidance needed to navigate the complicated legal system. Contact the Admiralty lawyers of Williams Kherkher today to learn more about your legal rights. Call 800-220-9341 for more information.