The maritime industry is one of Louisiana’s biggest employers. They spend about $3.5 billion on employment. An estimated 500 million tons of cargo go out from the state and through the Gulf of Mexico every year. They also have a responsibility to keep workers safe.
If you are a maritime worker, you have dangers most workers do not face. You also have rights unique to your industry. It is important to understand them and hold the responsible parties liable.
Unusual jobs with unique dangers
There are over 100,000 jobs in Louisiana working on boats and in shipyards. The work environment is not always safe. With a variety of inherent dangers, there are greater risks and life-threatening injuries in the maritime industry.
You have rights that go beyond the usual workers
Maritime workers injured on the job are entitled to compensation. A boat must have safety equipment and it must be seaworthy. It could be missing safety equipment, or the safety equipment might be defective. It must also have signs warning of potential dangers.
Maritime workers’ basic rights include:
Appropriate safety equipment and training.
- Maintained workplaces.
- Warning signs about hazards are in place.
- The boat must be safe and seaworthy.
- Spills are cleaned, and hazards corrected.
- Appropriate number of workers are on a project.
Unique jobs that carry liability
You could be working offshore, on a boat or in the shipyard. Even though the jobs are unusual, that does not mean that you should not expect legal protections. You should expect competent, trained coworkers.
If you were injured on a job, you must report the issue and complete the necessary paperwork. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. You have the right to seek compensation.
