Maritime work is one of the most dangerous industries for workers. The industry is aware of this and strives to prevent accidents and have a safer overall workplace.
Unfortunately, the nature of the job puts maritime workers at risk no matter how vigilant they and their employers are. Given the stakes for workers, companies and insurers, there are research studies to assess current trends and formulate solutions.
Recently, an insurance company from Norway assessed claims for injuries and other issues workers faced. It gave guidance to create a safer environment. Regardless of safety initiatives and attentiveness, there are still likely to be accidents and other issues. Injured workers and families left behind need to be aware of their rights to recover compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and more.
Personal injury claims comprise significant portion of insurance claims
According to Gardo, the insurer that conducted the study, a major portion of personal claims came from crewmembers. In addition, they received claims from stevedores and passengers. There has been an ongoing increase in such claims since 2021.
It looked at 20,000 claims over the previous five years. There were more than 400 deaths. Just under three-quarters of the crew fatalities were due to illness. Fifteen percent of the fatalities came about because of injuries. Mental health came to the forefront in the study as it was discovered that a substantial number of workers committed suicide.
From 2020 to 2023, injury claims increased by 44%. Often, they were due to workers slipping, tripping or falling – a common problem on a ship. The next most frequent issue was workers being hit or crushed by objects. Of course, in a physically arduous job, there are back injuries. Workers stationed at heights are prone to falling. Burns are also a problem.
Maritime accidents can have long-lasting impact on workers
Those who suffer maritime injuries are accustomed to working hard and doing their jobs without complaint. Being unable to work and facing the accompanying challenges is unfamiliar territory and they might not know where to turn. Whether it is a back injury, a head injury, broken bones, lost limbs or mental stress that is the root of the problem, it is imperative to have guidance that understands the industry.
That includes being aware of the terminology, having vast experience in investigating whether proper safety procedures were followed, knowing if workers were put at unnecessary risk and if concerns were addressed as they came up. Injured fishermen and seamen as well as their families will have a litany of questions when there is a maritime accident.
Since Washington is so prominent for its fishing and many residents make their living in that industry, being prepared for maritime injury claims is key and having help from those who have assisted injured workers and their families in making a full financial recovery can be the biggest difference in a positive outcome.