Does My Employer Have to Keep the Shipyard I Work in Safe?

As maritime trial lawyer David Anderson explains in the video above, the Longshore Act provides workers’ compensation benefits for injured workers who are not members of a vessel crew, including:

  • Dockworkers
  • Harbor workers
  • Longshoremen

Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) came down on a Norfolk, Virginia shipyard, citing multiple safety violations, according to WAVY-TV.

The report indicates that the citations were discovered during a May 2014 inspection and the shipyard is facing over $100,000 in proposed fines for 12 safety and health violations, including:

  • Fire extinguisher hazards
  • Unguarded manholes
  • Failure to provide fall protection for employees working on barges
  • Exposing workers to electrical dangers while welding due to defective equipment
  • Providing workers with damaged electrical equipment
  • Allowing workers to use unguarded machinery

I Need a Shipyard Accident Lawyer

It is never okay for an employer to cut corners when it comes to the safety of its workers. If you even suspect you or a loved one was hurt in a shipyard accident because of an employer’s negligence, it is very important that you talk with a maritime trial lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced maritime attorney will be able to let you know your rights and what you’re entitled to receive.

Latti & Anderson LLP Nationwide Maritime Attorneys