Dangers at sea: what are the most common on-the-job hazards for seamen?

Working at sea is hazardous. Of course, the most life-threatening hazard to seamen is shipwreck or sinking, but fortunately, big accidents like Deepwater are rare. Still every day, there are endless ways that a seaman can be injured. We have listed some of the most common hazards that cause injury to seamen and offshore workers.

Accident hazards

• Fall from ship to water

• Fall from ship structure onto deck or into hold

• Fall on deck or other surface

• Overexertion while handling cargo, operating manually-driven ship mechanisms or performing strenuous job duties

• Cave-in by cargo while working in the hold

• Struck by falling object

• Striking against ship structures during a fall or slip

• Struck by moving objects such as mooring lines, hinged doors, hatches or cargo

• Caught and entangled in mooring lines

• Caught between ship structures, items of cargo, etc.

• Burns caused by steam or engine exhaust

• Severe cold injury from working with metal parts in cold weather

• Electrical shock from defective or faulty electrical equipment

• Poisoning caused by contact with hazardous cargo

• Poisoning caused by contact with cleaning supplies or other solvents used on-the-job

• Poisoning caused by spoiled or contaminated food or drinking water

• Fires

• Explosions of explosive cargo

• Explosions and implosions of pressure vessels and lines

• Cuts, stabs and amputations caused by sharp parts of cargo, mooring lines, ropes, chains, or ship mechanisms

Physical Hazards

• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation while working under direct sunlight

• Exposure to electro-magnetic fields emitted by ship’s radar and communication equipment

• Vibration of the body caused by ship engines and vibration-like motion caused by ship movement

• Exposure to incessant noise of ship engines

• Exposure to extreme weather conditions, including extreme temperatures

• Exposure to extreme heat while working below deck

Chemical Hazards

• Prolonged exposure to chemical substances routinely used aboard ship for operation and maintenance, including cleaning solvents, detergents, fuel, welding fumes, paints, pesticides, fumigants, etc.

• Exposure to chemical substances carried as cargo

Biological Hazards

• Exposure to poisonous biologically active substances carried cargo, including grain dust, cotton bales, bulk meat, produce, and raw wood

• Exposure to toxic marine organisms

• Chronic poisoning and diseases from contaminated food and water

• Risk of communicable disease from pests, vermin, rodents or insects aboard ship

• Risk of communicable disease

Other job hazards

• Cumulative trauma disorders caused by handling heavy loads and performing strenuous physical labor

• Physical and psychological discomfort caused by crowded living conditions

• Psychological trauma and personal problems due to constant exposure to danger, separation from family, and irregular sleep patterns

• Interpersonal relationship problems with other crew members

• Loss of alertness due to repetitive tasks

• Exhaustion

The Young Firm represents seamen who are injured on-the-job in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and across the United States. Our maritime law attorneys have over 50 years of experience helping injured maritime workers to seek justice and fair compensation. If you have been injured at sea, contact our office and request our free guide: Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law. This book explains maritime law and injury claims and answers commonly asked questions about your rights.

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