Working in a shipyard surrounds you with various machinery, equipment and materials that can pose potential health risks. One of the most prominent concerns is exposure to asbestos, a mineral known for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. These qualities made...
Admiralty And Maritime Law
What is the Jones Act, and how can it help you?
Working on a ship, you must be familiar with a range of maritime laws and regulations. One of the most important ones is the Jones Act, a federal law that has a significant impact on your rights as a maritime worker. The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant...
Common dangers for longshoremen to watch out for
As a longshoreman, you have grown accustomed to hard work and sometimes less-than-ideal work conditions. With such a physically demanding job in a sometimes unforgiving environment, there are many hazards you need to remain aware of. Your surroundings can pose some of...
Death on the High Seas Act
Working on a boat comes with a unique set of dangerous circumstances. As a family member, what happens if an accident out at sea takes the life of a loved one? In 1920, the federal government enacted the Death on the High Seas Act or DOHSA to help families left behind...
Effects of engine noise on maritime workers
As a maritime worker, you face exposure to some particular risks that could adversely affect your health. One of these is the noise from the engine of the ship. As you might expect, exposure to engine noise puts you at risk of hearing loss. However, there are other...
Have you been exposed to asbestos?
The physical labor involved in shipyard work is something that puts many people away from the job. Even if you do not mind that labor, it is reasonable to expect that your workplace is free of any unnecessary dangers. Unfortunately, you may face exactly that in the...
What are the most common railroad injuries?
It is likely that most Americans would answer “construction worker” when asked to name a job with a high risk of injury. However, workers on the railroad have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Working on the rails carries with it a very high risk of...
Maritime transportation workers face unique injury, illness risks
From recreational ships to cargo barges, maritime workers fill crucial roles on vessels that carry products and people across the ocean. However, working in maritime transportation also comes with a higher risk of injury or illness than many other types of...
What is the Defense Base Act?
If you work overseas for a government contractor or subcontractor, the Defense Base Act covers you in the event you become injured. The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, explains that your DBA benefits apply to any injury you sustain,...
How may the Jones Act or labor laws affect my working on a ship?
The Jones Act may affect how you resolve an employment issue if you work onboard a vessel. The Act provides a range of protections, but it may also disqualify you from certain provisions of federal labor laws such as overtime pay. As reported by Reuters, a 2021 U.S....