Shipyards are busy, full of heavy equipment, and packed with worker rushing to meet deadlines and that means shipyard occupational safety hazards abound. Workers who fail to take sufficient precautions are putting themselves at extreme risk of injury or worse. If you operate a shipyard, you undoubtedly need to have a Marine Cargo Insurance Policy to protect your goods that travel into and out of your port. Your employees and contractors are far more valuable than any cargo. Here are steps you should take to minimize shipyard occupational safety hazards.
Stock the Workplace with Visible, Easily Accessible Safety Gear
From hard hats and safety harnesses to spill-containment kits, respirators, fire extinguishers, and life preservers, don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk. Abundant safety equipment will reinforce the message that you’re serious about workplace safety. It also will help to ensure that if an accident does occur, the resulting damage and injury is contained.
Take Fatigue into Account When Making Employees’ Schedules
Working long and odd hours comes with the territory for shipyard workers. Considering that they’re surrounded by risks, factor in the effects of sleep deprivation may have on employees when you decide when they’ll work. Someone who’s exhausted is more apt to make mistakes and cut corners. His judgement will be impaired. This creates a dangerous situation.
Take Care When Deciding Where to Store Items
Fire and explosion danger is high in shipyards due to the abundance of equipment that emits sparks and heat and the flammable materials and chemicals used in the workplace. Don’t store flammable items or objects in an area where welding occurs frequently or in enclosed areas that heat up when the mercury climbs. Failing to use common sense adds fuel to the fire, so to speak.
Educate Your Team about the Dangers of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is still used in ship building, which means workers repairing ships could encounter it. There’s an unusually high incidence of mesothelioma (cancer caused by exposure to asbestos) in shipyard workers. Educate your employees so they’ll understand the importance of using a respirator.
The marine industry as a whole is enveloped in risk. Marine insurance is essential. Mariners General Insurance Group specializes in marine insurance policies. Contact us at 800-992-4443 to learn how we can help you.
