In the 2010, there were 4,547 workplace fatalities in the U.S. If you were injured aboard a vessel that failed to uphold the rules and regulations required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you need to seek legal counsel. OSHA is part of the U.S. Department of Labor and its sole purpose is to prevent workplace injury and deaths. They have certain standards and regulations in place to help curb serious accidents and injuries from occurring, however, that does not mean all workplaces or employers will comply with these standards.
If an employer is found to be in violation of OSHA regulations, they can face serious consequences on top of liability for any injuries that occurred as a result. Our offshore injury lawyer can fight on your behalf to obtain damages to aid in your recovery if you have been injured on the job. We know that it can be difficult to determine whether your employer violated any OSHA standards on your own, which is why our knowledgeable legal team is here to help.
OSHA is intended to uphold and protect safe working conditions, as every employee has the right to such an environment. To this end, OSHA gives workers the following privileges:
As occupations in the maritime industry are some of the most dangerous in the world, it is imperative that employers and ship-owners are conscientious in maintaining the safety of their vessels, offshore platforms, and jack-up rigs. If an owner or employer failed to uphold a worker's rights as described by OSHA, an offshore injury lawyer from Arnold & Itkin LLP may be able to help you determine what step should be taken next.
This federal statute protects workers from illnesses they contracted in the workplace, hazards that could cause serious harm to health, and one-time injuries. The employer is responsible for examining their workplace in order to ascertain the potential dangers. Once this is accomplished, they must provide adequate training, personal protective equipment, and safety equipment for workers when necessary. Fires and explosions are another serious risk for offshore workers. That is why the OSHA has strict regulations in regards to fire equipment and protection. Hazardous material and chemicals may also be a danger, and employers are required to store these correctly.
If an employee notices that their employer is failing in any of these standards, they should immediately notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It could be the difference between life and death for workers. It is also important for employees to remember that they have the right to refuse an assignment or task if they feel would be in direct violation of these standards and regulations.
If you feel you employer has disregarded any OSHA regulation, call our maritime injury lawyers today!
Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.
