Working on a boat can be a challenging job. In addition to long hours on the water, you may also be at risk for many types of injuries.
There are still many of the same hazards you could face working on land when you work on a boat, but with the added risks of being on the water. These injuries can vary greatly, and it is essential to get appropriate care as soon as possible.
These are some of the most common injuries you could face while you are working on the water.
Going overboard
Falling overboard may not happen as often as Hollywood suggests. Still, when you are on a boat, the risk of going overboard always exists. The chances of falling into the water increase when there are additional hazards, like:
- Storms and other bad weather
- Insufficient safety equipment, like rigging and guardrails
- Wet floors or decking
Although working on a boat is going to come with some expectation of wet floors, your employer still has a responsibility to try to keep floors dry to prevent falls and other related injuries.
Repetitive use
Working on a boat often means doing some tedious tasks. While these tasks tend to seem simple at first, over time, they can lead to painful musculoskeletal injuries, such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Low back injuries
- Tendinitis
Even when your workplace is a boat, your employer should follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) guidelines for supportive equipment.
What to do after an injury
Even when you and the others on the boat are taking precautions, there will be a day when someone gets injured. It is essential to know what to do when you have an injury at sea.
After you receive primary medical care, you need to talk to your employer about your injury. You will need to complete workman’s compensation paperwork, and your employer should be able to provide the support you need to make your claim.
