Marine terminals are busy yards where workers transport cargo that was shipped overseas on large cargo ships. When workers get to the marine terminals, there is normally a lot of activity with workers running through the roads, cargo moving on cranes overhead, and vehicles moving through the yards. Because of the fast-paced activity, there is a high danger for accidents in these marine terminals. One of the biggest dangers in marine terminals is traffic accidents. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 15 fatalities in the cargo handling industry in 2005. Eight of those deaths were transportation accidents that happened at the terminal.
Many different factors can contribute to an accident at a marine terminal.
Some of the most common of these factors are:
At marine terminals, the roads are typically paved. While this can prevent vehicle turnovers, it can also cause the surface to become slick and slippery when the wet cargo boxes or sea spray coats the road. Over the years, paving material can settle and create potholes and sinkholes so it is important that hazards are repaired immediately.
OSHA created a list of suggestions to reduce the possibility of traffic accidents at marine terminals. The federal administration believes that the following efforts could revolutionize the safety of marine terminals for workers.
Traffic Controls
With traffic controls in place, pedestrians are better protected, and drivers
will operate at safe speeds. OSHA requires that all marine terminals have
stop signs at the main entrances and exits of structures, and have stop
signs posted at blind intersections. Also, vehicular routes and parking
areas should be established, identified, and used when necessary. There
should also be signs warning of pedestrian crossing areas to protect workers
that may be on foot.
Vehicle Selection & Maintenance
Supervisors should make sure that all vehicles near the terminal are safe
for use. OSHA requires that employers only use vehicles with working horns,
alarms, brakes, mirrors, alarms, and warning devices. Vehicles need to
be maintained carefully, and all vehicles should not be modified unless
the employer has written permission to do so.
Safety Checks
All safety devices should not be removed, and employers are supposed to
check all marine terminal vehicles every single day. The employers are
also supposed to train employees to recognize any vehicle damage and deficiencies
to a supervisor so that the vehicle can be taken care of. All vehicles
should be checked to make sure that the speedometer, windshield wipers,
steering, mirrors, seat belts, and other essential vehicle components
are in working order.
Parking
OSHA recommends that employers allow private vehicle parking in designated
areas, but penalize anyone who parks away from these designated posts.
Employees should never park in traffic lanes, in spaces that could be
in an operator's blind spot, or in the path of a crane. Chassis should
never be parked in a place where the chassis tongue could protrude.
Safe Driving
On both private and public roads, drivers need to be extremely careful.
In marine terminals, the busy activity and constant movement call for
even safer drivers. All intersections need to be kept clear, and drivers
should never carry loads that are too high on a yard tractor. Also, workers
need to remember to stay on designated lanes and avoid taking shortcuts.
Drivers should be aware of all activity going on in the terminal and of
pedestrians in the area.
Safe Operation of Vehicles
Many of the vehicles in marine terminals are not just cars. They are tractors,
forklifts, chasses, or other large vehicles. To preserve safety, workers
should be familiar with their vehicle and understand all operating procedures.
Repair Work & Welding
A lot of times workers will weld at the marine terminals. The sparks can
distract drivers or bling them because of the brightness. Employers need
to communicate with personnel about the location of welding operations
so that employees won't enter the area unprotected or become blinded when
approaching the bright welding activities.
Walking Safety
Pedestrians must also do their part to promote safety out on the marine
terminals. Anyone on foot should make sure that their movements are predictable,
and must avoid placing items on rolling or moving equipment. Pedestrians
should also be aware of driver's blind spots and make sure not to walk
or stand in these locations.
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident then you can contact Arnold & Itkin LLP!
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.
