The Riskiest Jobs in the Maritime Industry

Working in the maritime industry is extremely dangerous. Regardless of the job title, the demands of the maritime world are grueling and extreme. Maritime and offshore workers are regularly exposed to hazardous working conditions that cause severe injuries. Deckhands are typically put in extreme danger because they are lower ranking and less experienced than some of the other maritime titles.

Roustabouts, tankerman, and longshoremen work in extremely treacherous and demanding roles and when they get injured, it is usually quite serious. They put their lives in danger for their job, and in many cases, their company does not respect their employees’ loyalty. After you have been involved in a maritime or offshore industry, you deserve to fight for your rights. We can take that fight on so you can focus on recovery.

Roustabouts

While roustabouts are focused maintenance workers in the oil and natural gas industry, they have demanding jobs. They are ground level deckhands who are responsible for ensuring oil wells are running efficiently and continuously. Their duties range from sweeping floors and repairing oil heads to handling dangerous chemicals and saltwater disposal pumps.

Roustabouts are typically the least ranking and newest members of the crew. Since they are new to the industry, their responsibilities require minimal training. As they gain more experience, their duties become more and more dangerous, and they are expected to complete them efficiently. Unfortunately, their pay does not reflect this expansion of their role to complete more dangerous jobs.

Roustabouts are aware of the dangers of their jobs, but unfortunately the dangerous nature of their position can be life-threatening. Roustabouts need to be in great health to complete their responsibilities, but as expected, injuries are common. Some of the common accidents roustabouts face:

• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Being struck by swinging loads
• Illness due to exposure to dangerous chemicals
• Exposure to dangerous equipment

If you are involved in an accident as a roustabout, your company may not look out for your best interest. They are only concerned with how this important work is going to be completed, not their employee’s health. That is where we come in. We have fought for the rights of injured roustabout workers to ensure that they are dutifully cared for.

If you have seen your company doctor, we recommend that you seek a second opinion. The company doctor may only tell you the information that the company wants you to hear and they are likely not looking out for your best interest. Contact one of our experienced attorneys and we will work with you to ensure you receive the compensation and attention that you deserve.

Tankerman

Tankerman are certified, qualified mariners that are members of the deck department. They are trained to transport liquid cargo, including gasoline, crude oil, or liquid natural gas. Tankerman must be familiar with government regulations of the vessel they are on and they must abide by the environmental and legal regulations they must be willing to work prolonged hours and days. Tankermans work in shifts that can run from several days to several months.

Tankermen regularly lift heavy equipment, climb stairs and ladders, and move around in difficult to reach areas. They must be in great physical condition and possess excellent dexterity to handle various types of tools. Marine workers who are tankerman must be able to detect potentially dangerous odors to ensure the safety of items on board. They are constantly involved in hazardous situations and their work can lead to serious or fatal injuries. Some of their injuries include:

• Water blasting injuries
• Chemical exposure
• Burns
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Head Injuries

If you are an injured tankerman that seeks medical attention, it is important to get help. If you have visited your company’s doctor and feel as though they did not help you adequately, you must seek additional medical attention. Your company is not looking out for your best interest and their doctors may be complying with company expectations.

You will need an attorney to advocate for you and defend you. We have extensive experience fighting for the rights of injured tankerman. We can help you take the steps necessary for receiving the care and compensation that you deserve.

Longshoreman

Working as a longshoreman is physically demanding and it is very hard work. Longshoremen are responsible for loading and unloading cargo from ships and docks. They must be patient, have previous deckhand experience, and be willing to long, flexible hours. They work in dangerous work conditions frequently, and they must be cautious as they are completing their jobs.

Working as a longshoreman is very dangerous because the workers must handle extremely large and heavy equipment. Accidents on the job can be serious and lead to life-long impacts on workers' lives. Some hazards of being a longshoreman include:

• Falling objects
• Head injuries
• Drownings
• Amputations

If you have been injured while working as a longshoreman, you need to seek  proper medical attention.  Even if you don't think you need too or if you have consulted your companies medical professionals, you must receive the appropriate care.  It is crucial that you have your injuries properly documented so that you a professional record of them.

If you have been mistreated by your company, you deserve to be cared for and compensated. You need an experienced attorney who understands maritime law to fight for your rights.

We are here to help

Working in the maritime and offshore industries are difficult and unique. Workers must work in all types of weather conditions, for extended periods of time, and in extreme working conditions. When maritime and offshore companies don’t treat their employees with the respect and care that they deserve, they need to be taken to justice.

Our team of attorneys work in the maritime and offshore industry because we care about our clients. We understand the risks that you take every day and you deserve to be treated with respect and care, especially when you have been injured. We have an extensive maritime practice and offshore practice that we have been able to use to fight for our clients. Contact us for more information. We will fight for you.