What Are My Rights as a Dredge Worker?
Dredges are vessels that gather sediment on the bottom of a riverbed or shallow coastal area to make the waters more navigable. Deepening a waterway channel is essential to boosting trade and the economy.
This important work can be dangerous, though, requiring the use of specialized heavy machinery.
Cranes, propellers, and grabbers are just some of the equipment that can cause injuries or even death to a dredge worker just trying to do their job. In some cases, these accidents could have been prevented, with the vessel’s unseaworthiness or management’s negligence to blame.
Sustaining an injury on a dredger is painful and can be catastrophic. In November 2015, a worker in Port Canaveral lost parts of both his legs in a dredging accident – a daunting reminder of the dangers that come with this profession.
Fortunately, workers or any vessel associated with a dredging project are protected by law and can seek compensation. Maritime law allows for compensation for on-the-job injuries.
The Jones Act also gives injured seamen the right to file claims through a Houston dredge accident lawyer against employers if their recklessness makes a vessel not fit for sea, or contributed in another way to the accident.
How Can a Houston Dredging Accident Attorney Help Me?
The vast expanse of Houston's maritime industry is a critical component of the city's economic backbone, facilitating trade, commerce, and transportation on a global scale. However, amid the bustling waterways and offshore operations, the potential for maritime injuries and accidents is an unfortunate reality.
A reputable maritime attorney can be your ally in getting the full compensation you deserve and proving that an employer’s carelessness is to blame for your accident. From offshore accidents to injuries sustained on vessels, our attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek are here to help you unravel the complexities unique to maritime law.
Whether you are a seaman, dockworker, or involved in any maritime activity, contact us in Houston by calling (832) 690-7000 today for a free, individualized consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work securing the compensation you need.
“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.
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Why Is Dredging Dangerous?
Dredgers are custom-built and outfitted with machinery that digs or sucks up rocks, sediment, and anything else that settles at the bottom of a waterway.
Each piece of machinery is used to perform a specific task – be it the removal of silt or harvesting shellfish. Workers must be trained to operate this equipment to avoid devastating injuries.
Main Types of Dredgers
- Suction (vacuum)– there are several suction dredging types, but all of them work based on sucking sediment through a long tube.
- Bucket – these excavate a river or seabed with the use of buckets, which usually circulate on a wheel or chain.
- Clamshell – a clamshell bucket is shaped like its namesake and hangs from a crane. They are used to remove thick, soft bay mud.
- Backhoe/dipper – this type of excavating equipment consists of a digging bucket that may be mounted on a pontoon.
- Bed levelers – consist of a bar or blade that is pulled across the seabed, mimicking the effects of a bulldozer on land.
- Snagboats – this is a riverboat with deck-mounted cranes that remove trees and other large debris from the water.
- Fishing – dredges used for fishing feature a scoop made of chain mesh that catches various types of shellfish from the seabed.
Common Dredging Accident Injuries
With all this heavy equipment comes a multitude of risks. A crane operator may lose focus and cause the machine to drop a heavy object on an unsuspecting worker.
A dredge could rupture an underwater gas line, leading to an explosion that severely burns crew members.
A worker may lose a finger or suffer a crushing injury if their hand is pinned while operating a dredge pipe.
A seaman could be exposed to dangerous substances or pollutants that are stirred up when the sediment is disturbed during dredging activities.
What’s more, working on a dredge is physically demanding and may be performed over long hours.
Maritime work doesn’t stop for gray skies, wind, or rain. Inclement weather is just another stress factor that dredge workers must take into account when doing their jobs. Take all of this together, and it’s no wonder that dredge workers can sustain virtually any kind of accident, including:
Lacerations and Cuts
Lacerations and cuts in dredging operations are frequently caused by sharp objects, equipment, or debris. The risk primarily comes from handling cutting tools, exposed metal edges, or discarded materials. Additionally, high-pressure hoses and cables can snap, causing severe injuries.
The liable party for such injuries often includes the employer or equipment manufacturer, depending on the circumstances.
Bruises and Contusions
Bruises and contusions in dredging operations commonly occur from falls, collisions, or interactions with heavy machinery. The risk stems from the dynamic and hazardous environment where workers navigate uneven surfaces, slippery decks, and crowded workspaces.
Collisions with moving machinery or falling objects are frequent causes, as are trips and falls on equipment or debris.
Going up against an employer may not be easy, but you’re not alone. The lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek will help you build your case. With years of experience holding large corporations accountable for their negligence, we’re here for you. Contact us online or by phone at (832) 690-7000.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains in dredging operations typically result from lifting heavy objects or making awkward movements. The risk is prevalent due to the physical demands of the job, which often require workers to handle bulky, heavy materials and maneuver in confined or unstable environments.
Complex or Simple Fractures
Fractures in dredging operations are often caused by falls from heights or being struck by heavy machinery or objects. The risk stems from working at elevated positions without adequate fall protection and navigating areas with moving equipment.
Any Type of Burn
Burns in dredging operations can result from contact with hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical sources. The risk comes from handling heated equipment, working with hazardous chemicals, and exposure to faulty electrical systems.
Lack of proper protective gear, inadequate training, and insufficient safety measures heighten this risk.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries in dredging operations are commonly caused by flying debris, chemical splashes, or exposure to bright lights or UV rays. The risk arises from tasks involving cutting, grinding, or handling hazardous chemicals without adequate eye protection.
Inadequate safety measures, lack of training, and failure to use personal protective equipment (PPE) significantly increase the risk. Employers are responsible for providing appropriate PPE, enforcing safety protocols, and ensuring proper training.
Hearing Loss or Damage
Hearing damage in dredging operations is often caused by prolonged exposure to loud machinery without adequate hearing protection. The risk comes from continuous exposure to high decibel levels produced by dredgers, pumps, and other heavy equipment.
Failure to enforce the use of protective gear or provide adequate training can lead to significant hearing loss among workers.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues in dredging operations are commonly caused by inhalation of dust, fumes, or other airborne contaminants. The risk arises from tasks that generate particulate matter, such as cutting, welding, or handling dredged materials.
Inadequate ventilation, lack of respiratory protective equipment, and insufficient training heighten this risk.
Back Injuries or Chronic Back Pain
Back injuries in dredging operations are often caused by improper lifting, bending, or twisting. The risk is significant due to the physically demanding nature of the work, which involves handling heavy equipment and materials.
Lack of training on proper lifting techniques, inadequate mechanical aids, and insufficient ergonomic practices increase the likelihood of back injuries.
Limb Loss or Amputation
Lastly, amputations in dredging operations are severe injuries, often resulting from limbs getting caught in machinery. The risk comes from working with powerful, moving equipment such as dredgers, conveyors, and pumps.
Inadequate safety measures, lack of proper guarding, and insufficient training significantly heighten this risk.
What to Do After a Dredging Accident?
Perhaps you or a loved one have been injured while working on a dredging vessel, or fallen ill due to dangerous work conditions, and now you’re wondering what to do. To protect your personal interests, you should immediately seek medical care and tell your supervisor.
We cannot stress enough the importance of getting medical attention as soon as possible. This is critical to your health and will also help your personal injury claim. A gap in care can make it hard to later prove that your injuries were the result of an accident on-the-job.
In many cases, it is advisable to consult a reputable maritime attorney. With an attorney fighting on your behalf, you are much more likely to get the full amount of compensation you are due.
Documenting dredging injuries for a claim requires a systematic approach to ensure all necessary details are captured accurately. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
- Report the Incident and Seek Medical Attention: Immediately notify a supervisor of the incident and ensure the injured worker receives prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
- Detailed Incident Report: Record the exact date, time, and location of the incident, along with a description of the activities leading to the injury.
- Witness Statements and Evidence Collection: Obtain statements from witnesses and take photographs of the injury scene, relevant equipment, and any hazards involved.
- Medical Documentation: Secure detailed medical reports outlining the injury’s extent, type, treatment administered, and any recommended follow-up care.
- Record of Safety Protocols and Training: Document any safety measures in place at the time of the incident and confirm whether the injured worker had received proper training and used required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Documenting dredging injuries for a claim involves several critical steps that ensure all relevant details are captured accurately and comprehensively.
The process begins with immediately reporting the incident and seeking medical attention for the injured worker. Prompt notification to a supervisor is essential as it triggers the formal documentation process.
You must seek immediate medical evaluation not only to address your health concerns but also to generate medical records that substantiate the claim. Medical providers must give a detailed account of the injuries sustained, the treatment provided, and any future medical needs, forming a foundational piece of evidence in the claims process.
Next, get a detailed incident report with the precise recording of the exact date, time, and location of the incident, along with a thorough description of the activities leading to the injury.
This report should be comprehensive, detailing your tasks, the equipment in use, and the environmental conditions at the time. This helps establish a clear context for the incident, making it easier to identify causes and contributing factors.
Make sure to get witness statements and collect evidence. Witnesses can provide valuable third-party accounts that corroborate the injured worker’s story, adding credibility to the claim.
Be sure to also take photographs of the injury scene, relevant equipment, and any hazards involved to provide additional evidence pointing to the conditions that led to the injury. This visual documentation can be particularly persuasive in illustrating the environment and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ask doctors to give you detailed medical reports outlining the injury’s extent, type, treatment administered, and any recommended follow-up care are essential for substantiating the claim. Call us at (832) 690-7000 or reach out online if you need help building your case.
These medical documents should include diagnostic results, treatment plans, and any prescribed medications or therapies. Comprehensive medical documentation may help support your claim for compensation by quantifying the injury's extent for insurance or legal purposes.
Finally, documenting the safety protocols and training in place is important.
This includes confirming whether the injured worker had received proper training and used required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Records of safety drills, training sessions, and PPE usage logs are used to determine liability and to understand whether the incident resulted from a lapse in safety protocols or inadequate training.
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