In a devastating accident in Texas, the cutterhead dredge Waymon L. Boyd struck a propane pipeline in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. This tragic incident claimed the lives of four crew members and injured six others.
The explosion and subsequent fire not only caused significant loss of life but also highlighted the critical safety risks associated with dredging operations in Texas and the need for a good Houston dredge accident lawyer.
Many maritime workers take pride in their labor. Those who work on dredges are no exception.
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.
Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”
- Raymond H
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.
.webp)
