If you clean barges for a living, you face health and safety risks on a daily basis. Barges transport oil, coal, trash, debris, and various types of chemicals; and, once they have been emptied, they need to be cleaned. But, cleaning an emptied barge can be extremely dangerous, and many barge cleaners find themselves in need of an experienced Texas maritime injury lawyer.
Understanding the Risks You Face as a Barge Cleaner
Barge cleaners face both visible and invisible risks when doing their jobs. Unfortunately, while companies are supposed to ensure that their barge cleaners are working in safe environments, many do not. As a result, barge cleaners routinely face risks such as:
- Biological Hazards – Working in close proximity to sewage, decomposing material, mold, and other biological hazards can expose barge cleaners to various health risks.
- Flammable and Combustible Materials – Oil and fuel residue, trash, uncontrolled electricity, and other fire and combustion risks can leave barge cleaners suffering from severe burns, if not life-threatening injuries.
- Exposure to Harmful Fumes and Particulates – Breathing in fumes and particulates can cause lung damage and respiratory conditions that can affect barge cleaners for the rest of their lives.
- Exposure to Harmful Noise – When working inside of barges, barge cleaners can be exposed to noises that are loud enough to cause ear injuries and temporary or permanent hearing impairment.
- Exposure to Toxic Chemicals – Skin exposure to toxic chemicals can also cause severe and painful burns, and these injuries can leave barge cleaners unable to work while facing a long road to recovery.
- Extreme Heat – When cleaning barges, workers can often be exposed to extreme heat, and this presents risks for several types of injuries and potentially dangerous health conditions.
- Poor Ventilation – Inadequate ventilation is a serious risk for barge workers, who can risk suffering from oxygen deprivation or suffering traumatic injuries if they pass out on the job.
- Prolonged Sun Exposure – When cleaning barges, workers can also face prolonged sun exposure, which can present risks for burns, skin cancer, and other health risks.
- Slip, Trip and Fall Risks – Slippery decks, cleaning tools, and other slip, trip, and fall hazards present risks for broken bones, soft tissue damage, and other maritime injuries.
These are just some of the most common examples. From collisions involving other vessels to working in dangerous water or weather conditions, barge cleaners can suffer on-the-job injuries due to numerous causes. If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act, and you should speak with a Texas maritime injury lawyer about your legal rights.
Discuss Your Jones Act Claim with a Texas Maritime Injury Lawyer for Free
Are you a barge cleaner who has been injured on the job? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation about your rights under the Jones Act. To speak with Texas maritime injury lawyer David Willis as soon as possible, call 800-468-4878 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
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