Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
We need oil. It heats our homes, keeps our engines running, and fuels the most important components of the nation's economy. However, when oil companies make mistakes, their product ends up causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the oceans, coastlines, and the businesses that rely on them. Both short-term and long-term effects of oil spills are devastating for workers, local ...
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Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
One of the most dangerous aspects of offshore work isn't visible to the people at risk from exposure to it. Benzene is a colorless gas that's a yellow liquid at room temperature. One of the simplest ways to determine the presence of benzene is through its smell, often a sweet odor, but by the point benzene is detectable by odor, that usually means hazardous levels of the gas are present. Benzene ...
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Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
The sight of offshore workers wearing hard hats has become ubiquitous over the years. These important pieces of safety equipment protect the most crucial part of a worker's body from a range of unexpected accidents , and their significance is rooted in a rich history, reflecting the evolution of worker safety across different industries. Today, hard hats are being used in new ways to enhance ...
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Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
Working in the maritime industry has never been completely safe. For hundreds of years, men and women have braved the ocean to bring back the bounty and trade that it offers. Today, the offshore industry has evolved beyond what the earliest sailors could have ever imagined. Oil rigs dig deep into the seafloor, ships weather harsh waters, and vessels carry more cargo than ever before. Along with ...
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In the high-stakes, high-pressure world of offshore work, the hands are an indispensable asset. From managing equipment to ensuring the smooth operation of complex machinery, workers’ hands are constantly in use. Unfortunately, this makes them vulnerable to various injuries. According to statistics from the International Association of Drilling Contractors, hand and finger injuries accounted for ...
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In the maritime industry, extreme weather is an ever-present danger. Offshore oil and gas workers are particularly vulnerable to the hostile forces of nature. The unforgiving seas during a storm can result in not only material losses but also personal injuries or even fatalities. It is in such times that maritime law becomes a lifeline for those who work at sea. This article will explore the ...
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The offshore oil and gas industry has always been one of innovation and technological advancement. One of the game-changing innovations in recent years is the widespread use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). These underwater robots have revolutionized how offshore operations are performed, significantly impacting safety and efficiency. But, will they replace human divers? Let's dive deep into ...
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently unveiled its predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. As the offshore industry closely monitors these forecasts, understanding the potential impacts of the season on offshore operations and workers is crucial. Here's a closer look at NOAA’s predictions . Predictions for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season The Climate ...
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In the aftermath of a maritime injury , proper documentation can have a significant impact on the outcome of any resulting claim. It can influence an injured worker’s ability to prove negligence under the Jones Act or that an injury qualifies under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act . It might influence the outcome of a claim of unseaworthiness and the perceived value of an injured ...
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Maritime work is inherently dangerous. The unpredictable nature of the open sea presents challenges such as severe weather conditions, strong currents, and large waves, which can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. The physically demanding nature of the work, including heavy lifting, operating complex machinery, and navigating slippery surfaces, increases the risk of injuries. The ...
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A seaman is someone who does certain work on a vessel that's in navigable water. We'll further define each part of that statement, but it can first help to understand why someone would need to be considered a seaman, and why the definition has been hotly contested in court. If you work offshore and get hurt on the job, you cannot file a workers' compensation claim like employees on land can do in ...
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The captain goes down with the ship. This maritime tradition is as old as the industry itself, but what about its modern application? Does the captain really have to go down with their ship, or does the maxim apply more to a captain’s obligation to do everything possible to rescue others if their vessel is sinking? It seems the latter is true, but there’s a bit more to it. On the evening of ...
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