Common Injuries in Alaska Maritime Accidents
As a worker in the maritime industry, you are well aware of the dangers that are inherent in your job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration puts things into perspective through its publication on Longshoring and Marine Terminals Safety Statistics, which indicates some of the top safety issues at worksites. They include guarding of machinery and deck openings, equipment maintenance, and inspections of cargo handling gear.
In addition, the report also describes the top sources of maritime injuries, many of which are preventable through due diligence and exercising care in maintaining the workplace. You should contact an Alaska maritime injuries attorney if you were hurt because of:
- Head Injuries: Trauma to the head and brain is common in an environment that is constantly moving. Many of these injuries are tied to being struck by objects, especially with the ongoing tasks of loading and unloading cargo. Plus, decks and other surfaces can be slick, which can cause concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other head injuries when a worker slips.
- Broken Bones: Fractures to bones in the arms, legs, and ankles are common in the maritime worksite, and they are often the result of a slip and fall incident. Workers may also suffer broken bones when they fall overboard, from ladders or gangways, and other situations. With proper fall prevention gear, these accidents can be avoided.
- Amputation: Being struck by or in between objects may lead to loss of limbs, which usually means a worker will never return to work in the maritime or longshoring sector. There are also significant emotional implications with amputation of an arm, leg, or foot, since the person may suffer from depression due to the loss of independence.
- Burns: Maritime workers are exposed to many hazardous substances and harmful materials as they are handling cargo, which can lead to explosions and fires. Burns can also result from coming into contact with extremely hot objects and equipment.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: These injuries affect the muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons that undergo stress because the worker is performing the same motion repeatedly. Repetitive stress injuries are often just temporary and do not require invasive surgery; still, the pain can lead to several days off work and considerable lost wages.
- Injuries from Workplace Violence: Intentional attacks are also a source of injuries for workers in the maritime industry, such as broken bones, bruises, lacerations, and other bodily harm. Job-related conditions, especially the physical demands and frenzied pace of work-related tasks, create significant stress. Even the most level-headed employees. can snap and lash out at co-workers.
Contact an Alaska Maritime Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Options
Claims regarding injury-causing accidents in the maritime and longshoring industry are different from other types of personal injury cases, which is why it is important to retain a law firm that focuses in this area. Our team at Power & Power Law has specific experience and knowledge in maritime injuries, so contact our Anchorage, Alaska office to speak with one of our attorneys. We can schedule a no-cost consultation to review your situation.