Keeping your workers safe can prevent injuries and accidents on your vessel. Enforcing rules, using consistent discipline and refining protocols can create a safe working environment.
Maintain documentation of the steps you take to protect your workers. If you do your best to maintain a safe vessel, you may have more leverage if an injured worker sues you.
Maintenance schedule
Working in the maritime industry exposes your workers to some unique risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these safety risks may include inclement weather, vessel crashes, working in restricted spaces and drowning. Keeping your vessel maintained and in compliance with federal regulations can help you mitigate some of these risks.
A maintenance schedule can help you keep track of the condition of your vessel. You can flag components that will eventually need repairs so you can address them before they create a hazard. Make sure that those responsible for updating the maintenance schedule understand the gravity of their duty to ensure that all repairs and maintenance take place in a timely manner.
Training requirements
Your workers need adequate training and experience so they understand their duties. Safety training, in particular, will educate your workers about the importance of adhering to protocols designed to protect them. This safety training should also include instructions for reporting concerns and handling emergency situations.
A well-maintained vessel can provide a safe and functional working environment for your employees. An attorney can also help you identify ways to protect your company from unfounded claims of injury. If an accident does happen on your vessel, you can rely on a legal professional to guide you through the aftermath.