Taking necessary safety precautions to prevent worker injuries at sea

Our Galveston Jones Act lawyers note that humanity has maintained a healthy respect for the unpredictability and strength of the seas since he first took to the sea. Even now, failure to respect the sea and its dangers often results in disaster. The Costa Concordia is one recent example. An account from the Safety4Sea website of a seaman trapped under falling cargo presents another example.

In the falling cargo incident that caught the attention of our Galveston Jones Act lawyers, a junior seaman noticed in the course of his rounds that some steel plates stowed in a rack against a bulkhead were improperly secured and moving about in danger of falling. Without notifying his superiors on the watch or otherwise consulting anyone regarding the act, the seaman took it upon himself to correct the problem. In heavy weather, he single-handedly began to re-stow and re-secure the plates.

While the seaman was thus engaged, the ship suddenly rolled heavily, and the steel plates fell. The fallen plates trapped and crushed the seaman’s leg. Another crewman heard the noise of the disaster and responded. The injured seaman was subsequently flown to a land-based hospital for treatment.

The causes of the accident were listed as:

• An inadequate system of securing heavy cargo that used only a single retaining bar and hook.
• Hazardous heavy weather conditions.
• Inexperience and lack of knowledge on the part of the seaman who failed to understand the risks involved in his attempt to re-stow and re-secure the steel plates.
• The seaman’s failure to notify other personnel of the hazardous cargo condition.
• The seaman’s failure to seek permission and assistance to re-secure the steel plates.

 Some suggested ways to prevent another similar accident included:

• Conducting a true risk assessment before commencing a job.
• Informing department heads of hazardous conditions discovered.
• Never attempting to perform hazardous tasks without assistance.
• Information by senior officers and crewmembers regarding hazardous conditions and safety awareness.
• Reviewing the seaman’s accident at shipboard safety meetings.
• Redesigning the storage rack where the steel plates were held to incorporate more secure fastenings and safety features.

As the injured seaman’s accident reveals, attempting dangerous tasks on one’s own and without informing others of the situation can lead to painful injury, especially at sea in heavy weather conditions. Our Galveston Jones Act lawyers emphasize that even modern ships do not always incorporate the best designs for cargo stowage and securement. But a fragile human body, even that of a sturdy seaman, is no match for the weight of steel plates and heavy seas.

If you’ve been injured at sea, you might face an uphill battle in obtaining fair compensation for the value of your injuries. Contact our experienced Galveston Jones Act lawyers for help in winning your claim. We offer a free and confidential legal consultation to discuss your accident, available legal options, and potential for financial recovery. If you have questions about how to recover on your claim, we have answers. Call today: 877-307-9500 toll free. Or use our convenient online contact features.