Jones Act Lawyer

Safety at Sea

Injuries caused by or related to work affect millions of people every year. Working on the sea has always been a dangerous job, as weather conditions and working conditions never seem to stay stable. For many seamen, injuries are as simple as minor cuts and bruises. For others, injuries may prove to be more serious, including permanent disfigurement, disabilities, or even death. To protect this high-risk group of employees, Congress passed the Jones Act in 1970, which was enacted to protect workers of the sea from injuries caused by the negligence of their employer. The act allows injured workers to seek compensation for their injuries if they can provide proof that the injury is the fault of the employer. Although the Jones Act offers seamen many remedies for their injuries, the best way for seamen to stay healthy is to practice good safety habits.

Working at sea can be a very physical job, often involving heavy lifting, slick surfaces, and dangerous machinery. It is crucial to be aware of your own physical limits when working at sea. Over exerting your muscles could lead to very serious injuries. When lifting heavy objects, be sure to bend your legs to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed throughout your body. Utilize trolleys, carts, and pulleys whenever possible to avoid straining your back or other muscles.

Another key element of safety is to be aware of your working environment, identifying any possible hazards in order to avoid injury. If you have identified a safety concern, bring the issue to the attention of your employer. It is your employer’s responsibility to provide all workers with a safe working environment. This responsibility includes providing proper training, functional equipment, and competent assistance. Failure to uphold these standards is a violation of the Jones Act.

Finally, sleep deprivation is one of the most dangerous conditions a seaman can battle. While your working hours may be long and unpredictable, lack of sleep will only make your work even harder and even more dangerous. Slow reaction speed, impaired judgment, and decreased alertness are all symptoms and dangers of not getting enough sleep.

What's more, working in an American shipyard during World War II would prove to be almost as deadly as fighting in the war. About 4.3 million Americans worked in shipyards during the war. For every thousand wartime shipyard employees, about 14 died of asbestos-related cancer, and an unknown number died of an asbestos disease called asbestosis or complications from it.

If you are a seaman, following safety guidelines is the first step in protecting your health at sea. Unfortunately, safety guidelines can only reduce the risk of an accident. It is your employer’s responsibility to keep your working conditions safe. If you or a loved one has been injured while working at sea, contact a Jones Act Lawyer at Williams Kherkher today to discuss your legal rights. Call 800-220-9341 today to schedule a free initial consultation.