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Proper (or direct) supervision generally means that someone is physically present on the job site and available to provide for the needs of workers or equipment. Every seaman should be supervised and supported in his onboard duties.
Proper equipment refers to the many tools and machines that a seaman must use to complete his duties. This equipment should be in proper working order, inspected regularly for malfunction, and deemed safe for use by workers.
Proper training means that a well-trained worker completes every task assigned. Before a seaman is given a job, he or she should have received the training needed to do the job safely and well.
Unfortunately, Jones Act safety rules are not always followed. A recent Gulf of Mexico oilrig accident raised questions about proper equipment. On August 16, 2011, an offshore worker was killed near Galveston when a crane collapsed. The boom hoist cable apparently broke, which led to the death of the seaman involved when the crane's harness struck him. While investigation of the accident has only begun as of this writing, doubts as to the safety of the crane's mechanical aspects will certainly be a main focus of investigators.
Gulf Coast jobs are regulated by many industry standards. For instance, the American Petroleum Institute (API) regulates the operation, rigging and maintenance of cranes. If any of these safety standards were ignored and the above accident resulted, then the family of the victim has the right to sue under the Jones Act.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an offshore accident and feel your employer didn't protect you properly, you can rest assured that you are protected by the Jones Act safety rules. Call the attorneys at The Young Firm in New Orleans TOLL FREE at (866) 938-6113 immediately to have your questions answered. You can also contact us by filling out the form on this page. Your rights are important to us.
