Common Injuries to Longshore and Harbor Workers in Florida Ports
Longshore and harbor workers in Florida ports face dangerous working conditions on a daily basis. The Occupational Safey and Health Administration (OSHA) has created new standards intended to improve safety for these workers in Florida and throughout the United States.
August 12, 2011
While "Deadliest Catch" might have entertained television viewers with risky examples of life at sea, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has confirmed something that has been known for years: longshore and maritime industry jobs are some of the most dangerous occupations in America. About 350 maritime and longshore industry workers are seriously injured in work-related accidents each year.Longshore workers do more than just load and unload cargo. They also repair ships and build bridges, among other duties. As a result, harbor and dock workers are subject to many risks and suffer a wide range of injuries. The three most common injuries include: slips and falls, equipment- and machine-related accidents, and drowning.
Data reveal that about 20 percent of all shipyard fatalities are related to transportation incidents. Slippery work environments, faulty equipment and lack of protective safety gear or protocols are contributing factors to these common injuries.
Shipyards are Dangerous; OSHA Sets New Standards
In May 2011, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released new standards applicable to shipyards. These new rules cover 14 workplace safety and health categories and update standards for minimum lighting, trained first-aid providers, hazardous materials and motor vehicle safety. The majority of these safety protocols, which have undergone years of public comment, become effective and enforceable August 1, 2011.
In addition to new OSHA rules, Congress is considering amendments to the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA.) This federal law, first enacted in 1927, provides medical benefits and compensation for those work-related illnesses, injuries and death suffered by shipyard, dock and harbor workers. Presently, about 500,000 workers are eligible for benefits under this Act. However, the Act has not been updated in more than 25 years.
Whether workers are called dock hands, stevedores or longshoremen, the longshore and maritime industry is a dangerous business. In order to reduce human and financial losses, safety must be a priority. With these strides from OSHA and Congress, longshore workers should continue to expect that their employers must provide them with a safe working environment.
Article provided by Friedman, Rodman & Frank, P.A.
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