Vibration Exposure and Health Issues among Maritime Workers

The Connection Between Vibration Exposure and Health Issues Among Maritime Workers

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Maritime workers face many challenges and dangers. One issue that often goes unnoticed is vibration exposure. Workers on ships are exposed to vibrations from engines, machinery, and other equipment. These vibrations may appear like a minor inconvenience, but in reality, they can lead to serious health problems.

Get the support and guidance you need with your maritime injury claim. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151.

Understanding Vibration Exposure

Vibration exposure is the result of repeated physical forces from machinery or moving vessels. In the maritime industry, these vibrations come from ship engines, generators, and other heavy equipment. The vibrations travel through the floor, seat, or tools, impacting different parts of the body.

Maritime workers do a number of tasks that put them at risk of vibration exposure. For example, maintaining large engines or using power tools on board generate significant vibrations. Over time, constant exposure to these vibrations can cause serious health issues.

Vibrations are categorized based on which body parts they affect. Hand-arm vibration impacts the hands and arms, while whole body vibration affects the entire body. Workers exposed to HAV often experience tingling, numbness, and a reduction in hand strength. On the other hand, WBV can lead to back pain, joint problems, and muscle fatigue.

To reduce vibration exposure, workers should use protective equipment like anti-vibration gloves and padded seats. Employers must also maintain equipment to minimize vibrations. As a maritime worker, you should have access to signs and notices regarding the risks you face from equipment aboard your vessel. This can help you take necessary steps to protect yourself.

Common Health Issues

Maritime workers exposed to vibrations can face a multitude of health issues, ranging from musculoskeletal disorders to nerve damage. It is important to understand the various conditions that can arise from prolonged vibration exposure and take preventive measures to mitigate these risks:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when vibrations cause swelling around the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Workers with carpal tunnel syndrome may struggle with fine motor tasks and experience discomfort that disrupts their daily activities.
  • Lower Back Pain: Prolonged exposure to whole-body vibrations can lead to chronic lower back pain. This pain affects workers’ ability to perform physical tasks, often leading to decreased productivity and a diminished quality of life outside of work. Preventive measures include ergonomic adjustments and regular exercise.
  • Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): HAVS is characterized by tingling, numbness, and a reduction in hand strength. Continuous exposure to hand-arm vibrations can result in permanent damage to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, severely affecting grip strength and dexterity.
  • Raynaud’s Disease: Also known as vibration-induced white finger, Raynaud’s disease is a condition where blood flow to the fingers is restricted, causing them to turn white or blue and feel cold or numb. This can progress to severe pain and tissue damage if not managed properly.
  • Joint Problems: Vibrations can contribute to the development of arthritis and other joint-related issues. Workers may experience stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints such as the wrists, elbows, and shoulders, impacting their range of motion and ability to perform tasks.
  • Muscle Fatigue: Constant exposure to vibrations can lead to muscle fatigue, where muscles become weak and tire easily. This can result in reduced endurance and increased risk of injury during physical activities.
  • Hearing Loss: Although vibrations alone do not cause hearing loss, the noise that often accompanies vibration exposure can lead to permanent hearing damage. Maritime workers exposed to high levels of noise and vibration may require hearing aids to manage their hearing loss.

Catching symptoms early and seeking timely medical intervention is essential in preventing long-term damage from vibration exposure. Employers must provide protective equipment and maintain machinery to minimize vibration exposure, thus safeguarding workers’ health. Regular medical check-ups are vital, as these injuries tend to start mild and escalate over time, making it easier for workers to overlook them initially.

Legal Rights and Protections

Maritime workers have specific legal rights to ensure their safety when it comes to vibration exposure. Employers must take reasonable steps to create a safe working environment. Unfortunately, a number of employers don’t do this—if certain equipment or protocols cut into profits or productivity, they may opt out, even if it’s illegal to do so.

If a maritime worker experiences health problems due to vibration exposure, they may be entitled to maintenance and cure. This compensation can cover medical expenses and basic living expenses until the worker is able to resume their duties.

This is true whether or not anyone else is to blame for the injuries—but if someone’s negligence did cause your vibration exposure injuries, you may have even more options. Laws like the Jones Act and the LHWCA let maritime workers sue for additional compensation for injuries that are caused by an employer’s or vessel owner’s negligence.

When vibration exposure leads to serious health issues, it might be necessary to seek legal advice to secure the compensation you are owed. A lawyer with experience in maritime law can help you understand your options and rights. It’s important to note that laws protecting maritime workers are not the same as workers’ compensation laws, so your attorney must be well-versed in maritime law.

Choose Reeves & Mestayer for Your Maritime Injury Claim

We’re here to help you when you decide to pursue your maritime injury claim. If you’ve been affected by vibration exposure, let’s talk about your injuries and your next steps. Claim your free case evaluation now by calling us at 228-374-5151 or contacting our team online.