While Sinking Vessels Are Rare, Risk of Maritime Drowning Is High
Protecting Commercial Fishermen from Preventable Diseases
Seamen take on a very high risk of injury compared to workers in many other industries. Hazards specific to the job create certain common types of accidents among maritime workers. One of the potential hazards in a fishing vessel is the spread of communicable diseases because of poor hygiene or an unsanitary environment. These medical emergencies can be avoided with “medical survival skills”.
(more…)
Read MoreThree Crew Members Rescued from Overturned Crab Boat
According to an article on Nationalfisherman.com, three crew members were caught underneath a crab boat on Tuesday night, January 14th. Firefighters came to the rescue by cutting through the hull of the overturned boat at the entrance to Coos Bay, Oregon. The rescue efforts began after a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew saw the 38-foot crabbing boat struggling to navigate in heavy seas, before its deck lights went dark. The aircrew radio messaged the Sector North Bend command center and rescue crews were dispatched to locate the crew. Three hours later, the boat was found upside down near the tip of the north jetty at the bay entrance. Rescuers could hear the crew yelling from inside the boat. After using a battery-powered reciprocating saw to hack through the hull, firefighters helped the crew out and up the jetty rocks. According to North Bay Fire District Chief James Aldrich, all three men were rescued in stable condition and transported to the hospital.
Read MoreIn 2018 Study Nearly 50% of Marine Accidents Involved Commercial Fishing Boats
According to data on CDC.gov, commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, with a fatality rate 29 times higher than the national average worker fatality rate. The NIOSH Western States Division (WSD) office in Alaska has been studying fishing safety since 1991 in an effort to reduce the number of commercial injuries and fatalities. The CDC has found that the biggest risks to fishermen are vessel disasters, falls overboard and machinery on deck.
Read MoreCommercial Fisherman – Stay Safe with Commercial Fishing Boat Safety Tips
With a fatality rate 29 times higher than the national average, commercial fishermen face danger on the job every day; especially those who work in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Despite the statistics, industry safety experts say that there are ways to reduce serious and fatal commercial fishing boat accidents with common sense safety measures.
(more…)
Read MoreHow to Choose a Maritime Injury Attorney
If you have been injured on a commercial fishing or crabbing boat, while working on or near a dock, or some other vessel on the sea you may need to seek the help of a maritime injury attorney. He or she will make you aware of your rights and help you understand how best to receive compensation for your injuries in order to protect yourself and your family.