Longshoremen work at harbors, helping to load and unload freight vessels. Their jobs require that they work outdoors in even the worst weather conditions. There are many risks for longshoremen and harbor workers, some of which may put their lives in danger. According to federal workplace safety statistics, there are three specific dangers that account for a significant percentage of longshoreman workplace fatalities.
What job hazards are the most likely to cause fatal injuries for those staffing harbors?
1. Vehicle incidents
Collisions with vehicles in low-visibility conditions or due to slippery surfaces are the top-reported cause of longshoreman fatalities on the job. Numerous vehicles may enter a harbor to drop off items for shipping or retrieve delivered merchandise. Vehicle incidents are the top cause of longshoreman fatalities and are also a leading cause of severe injuries.
2. Falls and drownings
Harbor workers often perform their jobs in precarious locations where they are one step away from going into the water. Falls can be deadly on their own if the worker is high enough when they fall. They can also lead to drowning incidents if a longshoreman goes into the water.
3. Struck-by incidents
Cargo can become imbalanced and unstable due to shifting that occurs during transit or inclement weather. Struck-by incidents where items fall and hit workers are the third leading cause of longshoreman workplace fatalities.
Many other types of incidents can leave harbor workers unable to perform job functions and in need of compensation too. Regardless of the particulars of a tragedy, however, grieving families and injured professionals often need support when pursuing a maritime injury claim, and that’s okay. Working with an attorney familiar with this niche area of law is often important for a financial recovery after an incident at a harbor.