Home Trending News What are the Most Common Types of Maritime Accidents?

What are the Most Common Types of Maritime Accidents?

by Uneeb Khan

Accidents are bound to happen with any mode of transport. Though not often spoken about, accidents on ships and other maritime vessels are common and can lead to several casualties. See this article to learn more about the different types of maritime accidents:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips and falls are some of the most common accidents on a ship’s deck. You could slip easily at any moment and during any activity. Falls are most common when you work on the lashing bridges, masts, cargo holds, hatch covers and when working aloft or outboard. While slips and falls may sound minor, they are often not. Injuries can vary in severity, ranging from minor bumps and scrapes to severe physical damage, disability, and even death. The common reasons for slips and falls on a ship include:

  • Slippery deck
  • Missing railing, grating, and stanchions
  • Wrong use of catwalks
  • Missing warning signs
  • Improper personal protection equipment (PPEs), especially shoes and harnesses
  • Inadequate job awareness
  • Lack of situational awareness
  • Absence of a safe job analysis
  • Inadequate or insufficient training

Dock and Pier Accidents

Docks and piers are as crucial to maritime activities as boats and ships. They are usually bustling with activity, with several constantly moving people, vehicles, and vessels. As a result, docks and piers are some of the risky job sites in the world. Common types of accidents that may occur on a dock or pier include:

  • Vehicular traffic accident
  • Craneand winch accident
  • Explosions and fires
  • Electrocution

Injuries Due to Inadequate Training

Maritime jobs are considered to be among the most dangerous in the United States. There are several safety regulations and laws to ensure proper training and safety of maritime workers. Unfortunately, most employers focus on short-term goals and ignore the need for adequate training. As a result, many seamen and maritime workers sustain serious injuries or, even worse, are killed on the job. Employers should follow maritime laws and other legislative acts and fully train employees before assigning them any work.

Injuries Due to Unseaworthiness

Most workers and seamen live on ships for most of their lives. These boats and ships become their homes, where they eat, live, and work. Theymust be well-built, safe, and in good condition, failing which accidents can occur. According to admiral law, the vessel’s owners should ensure it is seaworthy and safe. If they don’t conform to these legal guidelines, they will be held responsible for any accident or mishap on the ship resulting from its unseaworthiness. Common accidents caused due to unseaworthiness include:

  • Broken bones due to falls from defective ladders
  • Burns from explosions and fires caused by worn-out engines and leaky fuel pipes.
  • Drownings or near drownings when a ship sinks because of unrepaired hull damage.

Shore Accidents

While maritime accidents are associated with accidents on the water, many accidents may occur in harbors, ports, and other facilities where the vessels moor for loading, unloading, replenishing food supplies and fuel, and maintenance. These workplaces on the shore are always bustling with activities involving many workers, vehicles of various sizes, and heavy machinery. Common on-shore maritime accidents include:

  • Slips and falls
  • Accidents due to conveyor belt issues
  • Crane accidents from lack of training or improper equipment use.

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Toxic chemicals and hazardous substances exposure is a common cause of serious diseases, injuries, and death among maritime workers. For example, harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide may build up in confined vessels without proper ventilation. In addition, ships built before the 1980s may also contain asbestos fibers. Workers can inhale these fibers leading to life-threatening conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis. You can also suffer respiratory damage if you come in contact with benzene, a naturally occurring chemical in diesel oil and gasoline.

Man Over Board

Man overboard accidents may occur due to slips and falls. It is a very critical situation requiring emergency response. The chances of surviving a man overboard situation are bleak. These accidents commonly occur while working on ship-side activities like washing, working aloft, painting, and working outboard.

Often, mistakes by employers or co-workers can cause maritime accidents. You could file for damages and sue those responsible if the accident was caused due to negligence. However, maritime law is complicated, and you may need help to handle your case. Hiring a maritime lawyer like Aronfeld Trial Lawyers can help you. They have years of experience with maritime law and can help you get the best possible outcome from your case.

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