Working on a vessel is hard. You may have to put in long hours under grueling conditions, and the needs of the ship may require you to take on jobs that you’ve never done before or are less experienced in handling. While this might help maintain vessel operations, it can also put you at risk of harm. After all, lack of training is one of the major contributing factors to maritime injuries.
But how does a lack of training increase your risk of being injured on the job? What kinds of injuries could you be exposed to due to inadequate training? Let’s take a closer look so that you know what’s at stake in your position and what you can do to reduce your risk of being harmed.
Common maritime injuries tied to improper training
Proper training is oftentimes overlooked in the maritime industry, and to workers’ detriment. There are several types of injuries that are directly tied to poor training, which includes each of the following:
- Trip and fall accidents: Working on a vessel often requires you to perform job duties in confined spaces where mobility is limited. In these instances, workplace storage and organization are key. If you’re not trained on how to maintain your workspace, then you could create a tripping hazard that increases the risk that you or a coworker will be seriously injured. When someone is hurt in one of these accidents, the harm can be severe, too, resulting in broken bones, sprains and strains and even head and neck injuries.
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Your job probably requires you to lift heavy objects. If you haven’t been properly trained on how to lift without overexerting your back, then there’s a good chance that you’re going to be injured. Here, you could suffer a slipped disc, a hernia or sprains and strains. These injuries can lead to chronic back pain.
- Machinery-related injuries: Those who work on vessels often have to operate heavy machinery that can be extremely dangerous when improperly used. Thus, training is key. If you don’t follow proper safety protocols, or if the machine is improperly maintained, then you could wind up getting pinched or crushed. You could also suffer severe laceration, amputation and electrical shock.
- Chemical burns: If you’re exposed to toxic materials, you need to know how to handle them and protect yourself from them. This requires extensive training on what protective gear to wear and how to safely handle toxic chemicals. If you don’t receive that training, then you could be severely burned, and the inhalation of these chemicals can lead to long-term health complications.
- Fire-related injuries: You might come into close contact with flammable materials in your job. If you’re not trained on how to handle them appropriately, then a fire may be inadvertently started, or an explosion may occur. Here, you could suffer burns and smoke inhalation.
To reduce your risk of injury, be sure to seek out any and all training provided by your employer. Also, discuss your concerns with your employer to see if they can provide additional measures to keep you safe. Hopefully then you’ll significantly reduce your risk of being harmed on the job.
What to do if you’ve been injured in your job on a vessel
The damage caused by a maritime injury can be extensive. Sure, you’ll experience significant physical injuries and lost mobility, but your medical expenses and lost wages can also eat away at your stability. Fortunately, you don’t have to let it get that far.
You may be able to take action through a maritime injury and a Jones Act claim, each aimed at securing the financial resources needed to pay your bills and provide you with the stability that you need. If you’re interested in learning more about how to do that, then now is the time to start thinking through your next steps.