Offshore Injury Facts
The best cure for an injury is prevention. However, vessel owners and cruise ship operators often make it difficult for passengers and crewmembers to stay safe while on the water. The lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. have heard all types of stories and accounts of accidents on vessels.
Below is a list of offshore accident facts according to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This report details accidents that were reported to the HSE from April 2012 to March 2013.
- 47 major offshore injuries were reported to the HSE, as compared to 36 the year prior.
- The most common injuries are due to handling, lifting or carrying.
- The second most common injuries result from being hit by moving objects, slipping and tripping, and falling from heights.
- Handling, lifting and carrying; being hit by moving objects; slipping and tripping; and falling from heights result in 90 percent of reported injuries.
- Other top causes of injuries include: exposure to dangerous substances, fire, electrical shock and accidents resulting from working with machinery.
- Nearly 91 percent of all major injuries were to limbs.
- Maintenance and construction work continues to be the most dangerous environment and results in the most injuries.
- The second most dangerous work environment is desk operations, which produced the most major injuries.
- Other dangerous work environments include: diving, drilling, management and production.
Preventing Accidents
A vessel employer is required to meet certain safety requirements for its crewmembers. These safety measures include providing the correct materials to safely perform the job, performing regular maintenance on all supplies and tools, and hiring capable and qualified supervisors.
If your employer is not maintaining a safe work environment and you were harmed in the course of your employment, then you can file to recover damages for the cost of your injuries, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
The best way to prevent an injury is to take safety precautions. If you are on a cruise ship, you should always be aware of your surroundings and of the people in your general vicinity. Pay special attention when disembarking in foreign ports and always keep your belongings close to your body.
Learn more about cruise ship safety and facts about the cruising industry:
Contact An Experienced Offshore Injury Lawyer
Our attorneys are passionate about what they do. We boast more than 200 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of seamen, cruise ship passengers and their families.
Find out if we can help you by calling our office toll-free at (877) 233-1238. You can also contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an attorney at our maritime law firm.
We are also easily assessable from overseas.
