Working on the deck of a fishing vessel comes with considerable risks. Many people automatically think about the wet surface and how that can make walking across the deck unsafe as the vessel moves with swells on the water. There’s another danger on a fishing vessel that can lead to considerable injuries for seamen — moving equipment.
Many commercial fishing vessels use cranes and other moving equipment on a regular basis. Vessel-mounted pedestal cranes can help to pull in catches or move them around. Because these pieces of equipment have many moving parts, they can cause a number of serious injuries.
Proper installation and maintenance are critical
All cranes mounted on fishing vessels must be installed properly, and they must be inspected and maintained. Even seemingly small issues with these cranes can lead to significant problems. For example, worn bolts could make the crane unstable, which can lead to it malfunctioning in a way that harms seamen. At a minimum, these cranes should be inspected every 12 months and load-tested every five years.
Other safety measures
All cranes have a “no zone” that surround them, based on where the moving parts are. These areas must be clearly marked on the deck. Crane operators should ensure those areas are clear before they put the crane in motion. This can help prevent seamen from being struck by the moving parts.
Injured seamen may need considerable medical attention. Their injuries can be compounded because of the lack of medical care on the water. Those victims may opt to pursue a claim under the Jones Act, which can be a complex undertaking. It may be beneficial to get experienced legal guidance to pursue a claim under this law.