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 Associates LLC Nationwide Maritime Attorneys