A fall overboard is one of the most serious types of offshore accidents. It places the crew member at immediate risk of drowning or hypothermia, depending on sea conditions. Because of the significant risks posed by man overboard incidents, maritime employers are required to have measures in place to handle these emergencies. They must also take steps to prevent falls in the first place, sound ...
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Working at sea, even when close to shore, can present serious risks. One ever-present hazard is the water itself. If a crewmember falls overboard or a vessel capsizes or sinks, survival will depend on more than one’s ability to swim or tread water. Even an experienced swimmer can quickly lose muscle control in cool water, affecting their ability to stay afloat or pull themselves back on board. ...
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Did you know that commercial fishing has a fatality rate that’s 29 times higher than the national average? This makes it one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. According to the Alaska Western States Division office of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the top three dangers to commercial fishermen are: Vessel Disasters Vessel disasters are the leading ...
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Deck winches serve various purposes on a maritime vessel. They can be used for anchoring, towing, mooring, pulling, and lifting or lowering heavy objects like nets. Installed on the deck of a ship, an electric or hydraulic winch can do a considerable amount of work in a short amount of time. Winches must be properly operated and maintained, however, or serious accidents can occur. Seamen and rig ...
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Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
Falling overboard is the second most common cause of death for fishermen. Between 2000 and 2014, 210 fishermen died after falling overboard. None of them were wearing lifejackets or any type of personal flotation device (PFD). Despite this fact, there are no requirements or regulations for fishermen to wear PFDs while working—making deadly accidents more likely in an industry that already has a ...
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Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
Arnold & Itkin LLP Attorneys Kyle Findley, Kala Sellers, and Adam Lewis recently filed a case on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who suffered serious injuries while working as a commercial fisherman. The man was working as a fisherman in the Gulf of Mexico when he was struck in the head by a heavy piece of metal. He sustained injuries to his neck, back, head, and brain because of this accident. Our ...
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Shows like the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," highlight the wonders and dangers that commercial fishermen experience every day. However, even though the show may contain certain scripted aspects, the dangers of commercial fishing accidents are quite real. Workers are more likely to die on a commercial fishing vessel than any other workplace. Facts About Commercial Fishing Accidents ...
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Posted By Arnold & Itkin LLP
Seafood is enjoyed by diners across the globe, offering nutrition and flavor. The way seafood is prepared is as varied as the species that live in the ocean. The most popular way we eat seafood is raw, baked, fried, or boiled. Per capita, humankind eats 20kg of fish per year. Worldwide, the aquaculture industry produced 74 million tons of seafood! Given how much seafood we consume, our oceanic ...
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Offshore work is one of the most dangerous industries in the country. Most offshore workers know the risks of rig explosions or being injured by heavy machinery, but they are probably unaware of the threats posed by flesh-eating bacteria. Contracting a flesh-eating bacterium is rare. However, the outcome can be severe. If not treated quickly, infection could result in an amputation or death. What ...
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The recent sinking of a South Korean trawler, a commercial fishing boat, in the frigid waters of the western Bering Sea emphasizes one of the many hazards of commercial fishing. Rescuers worked diligently searching for the 50 crew members. Seven survivors were rescued and one dead crewman was pulled from the waters. Many crewmembers remain missing. It was reported that the 1,753-ton trawler Oryong ...
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Work aboard commercial fishing vessels can be extremely dangerous. In fact, a new research study from Oregon State University compiled data regarding injuries aboard vessels operating off the Alaskan coast. It was found that nearly half of injuries that occurred aboard commercial freezer-trawlers and approximately a quarter of injuries sustained aboard freezer-longliner vessels were linked to the ...
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