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
Preparing for Weather Hazards
The following are 10 ways to prepare for boating in heavy weather:
- ensure anyone going on deck is wearing a safety harness;
- make sure the crew knows ahead of time what to do in the event of extreme weather;
- ensure life raft is ready for deployment;
- make sure all hatches are secure, and windows and ports are closed;
- note your position and plot it on a chart, along with your time and speed;
- keep pump bilges dry;
- secure any loose items or gear below and above deck;
- if possible, make plans on how you’ll alter your course to sheltered waters;
- make sure emergency equipment is ready (signaling device, bailers, first aid, hand pumps, etc.); and
- if weather is severe, review your abandon ship procedures.
