Conveyor Belt Injuries

Crewmen Injured Aboard Fishing Vessels Involving Conveyor Belts

On large fish processing vessels and catcher processors conveyor belts are in use everywhere, moving fish through the factory, and frozen product in and out of the ship’s hold. Many crewmen and fish processors are seriously injured each year because of lack of safety concerning conveyor belts.

Common Problems With Conveyor Belts Aboard Fishing Vessels

Conveyor belts must be properly maintained and guarded. Worker’s access to their work stations should be reasonable and not require the worker to climb over or beneath conveyor belts. Lock out tag out procedures must be used when conveyor belts are being serviced and repaired. Product must be carefully placed on conveyor belts during loading and unloading operations to make sure that crewmen are not injured by falling bags or boxes. The conveyor belts should be snag-free, and the drums and gears driving the conveyor belts should be properly guarded. Nip points must be guarded to prevent crewman injuries. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) provide valuable information and evidence on workplace safety issues involving safe construction, design, and operation of conveyor belts.

The maritime lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC are some of the Nation’s leading maritime personal injury lawyers. Their practice is focused on representing injured seamen, tug boat workers, and fishermen. They have handled thousands of Jones Act injury and unseaworthiness claims. They are always on the side of the injured crewman or fisherman, and never represent the vessel owners, employers, or their insurance companies. They are dedicated to getting their clients fair and full compensation for injuries suffered while working aboard vessels at sea. Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC has handled many accident claims involving conveyor belts and fish processing equipment. They know how accidents happen aboard ship and how those accidents can be prevented.

A vessel may be rendered unseaworthy if its conveyor belt systems are not safely designed, proper safety procedures are not adopted, or if the belts are improperly maintained or repaired. If a conveyor belt accident happens as a result of unseaworthiness or negligence, a seaman is entitled compensation under Federal Maritime Law. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, future lost earning capacity, past and future pain and suffering, and medical expenses. To learn about your rights to compensation, contact an experienced maritime lawyer at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC for a free initial consultation.