Commercial fishing is a prominent business in Washington. Those who work on a fishing boat understand the potential dangers they face. There are myriad risks that can cause accidents with catastrophic injuries and death. It is part of the job.
Still, the company is required to put fundamental safety practices in place. If there is an accident and there was a lack of vigilance by the employer or colleagues, this can be an important part of filing a claim for compensation.
Since an accident can leave the crewmember off the job, wondering about their income and medical costs, it is imperative to know what options are available. Pointing out when the company was negligent can be part of the case.
Know the basics for commercial fishing boat safety
Many of the fundamentals for commercial fishing boat safety might seem obvious, but that does not mean all boats adhere to them. This includes a properly trained crew, having workers who fulfill their duties, those who are team-oriented, being trustworthy, having sufficient safety training, having the required commercial boat experience, knowing how to tie knots, and avoiding drugs and alcohol while on duty.
On some commercial fishing boats, there are basics that are sometimes ignored. For example, if the boat is not kept as clean as it should be, then there could be increased chance of an accident. Some workers do not follow the captain’s orders or listen to other supervisors. This too can be problematic.
There are keys to safety such as good communication, knowing and following the rules for safety, being prepared to handle the unexpected, having experience and proper training, and being responsible.
In many cases, accidents and injuries come about from something as simple as slips, trips and falls. Since commercial fishing boats are complicated workplaces where employees need to be physically able and aware of their surroundings while handling heavy equipment and other hazards, they could be vulnerable to weather-related problems like a wet deck. There could be a spill, chemicals and even fish that they slip on and suffer an injury.
Researchers found that between 2000 and 2018, almost one in five fishermen injuries – fatal and non-fatal – stemmed from slips, trips and falls. Most of the incidents where the fishermen were injured but survived were deck falls. Fatalities came about when the workers fell overboard. This is just an example of obvious dangers that can be avoided with safety adherence.
Injured commercial fishermen may need help recovering compensation
Commercial fishermen who have been injured and families who lost a loved one in a boat accident might not know where to turn in the immediate aftermath. Since these injuries can be severe and force them off the job, it can be a worrisome time as they think about how they are going to pay their bills and when – or if – they can get back to work.
For help with covering for medical expenses, lost wages, long-term damage and more, it is important to consider all options. A key part of that is having guidance with a potential maritime injury claim.