It goes without saying that maritime workers face various hazards to their health on a daily basis. One significant danger that lurks in the maritime environment is hypothermia, a medical condition that can lead to severe health consequences, and can even be fatal. This blog post delves into the world of hypothermia in maritime work, the responsibilities of employers, and the legal options available to those affected.

What Is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when an individual loses body heat too quickly, resulting in a dangerously low bodily temperature. This is a life-threatening medical emergency whose symptoms include confusion, impaired judgment, and unconsciousness. Symptoms range from mild (shivering, cold discomfort) to severe (muscle rigidity, difficulty speaking, slowed heart rate).

Hypothermia can lead to a number of health complications. Prolonged exposure to cold weather can cause frostbite, tissue damage, and numbness in extremities. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, unconsciousness, and even death. Timely medical intervention is critical to prevent and address these potentially fatal consequences of hypothermia.

Why Maritime Workers Are Vulnerable to Hypothermia

Maritime workers face a unique set of challenges that make them particularly vulnerable to hypothermia. Their duties frequently involve exposure to cold, wet, and windy conditions, significantly increasing the risk of heat loss from the body. One common scenario is when maritime workers are engaged in tasks that require them to work on open decks or in exposed areas during adverse weather conditions.

Additionally, vessel accidents, man-overboard situations, or equipment failures can lead to sudden immersion in cold water, further heightening the threat. Cold water can cause the body to lose heat 25 times faster than cold air.

Even in relatively mild temperatures, the combination of wet clothing and exposure to water can trigger hypothermia. This underscores the urgent need for proper safety measures and protective gear for maritime workers.

The Legal Responsibility of Maritime Employers

Maritime employers have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well being of their workers, including protection against hypothermia. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Jones Act impose regulations that require employers to provide training, protective gear, and safety measures to prevent cold-related injuries.

• Provide Proper Gear – Maritime workers should be equipped with insulated clothing, waterproof gear, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) to aid them in staying warm and mitigating the risk of hypothermia.
• Training and Education – Employers must offer training on how to stop hypothermia, proper use of protective equipment, and emergency response procedures.
• Monitoring Conditions – Employers should keep track of weather forecasts to assess potential hypothermia risks and take preventive measures accordingly.

Legal Options for Maritime Workers

If a maritime worker has developed hypothermia due to the negligence of their employer, they have several legal options:

• Jones Act Claims – Under the Jones Act, maritime workers can file claims against their employers for injuries caused by negligence. If an employer’s failure to provide adequate safety measures contributed to the hypothermia incident, a worker may be entitled to compensation.
• General Maritime Law – Maritime workers can also pursue claims under general maritime law if negligence is proven. This can include claims against vessel owners, operators, and other responsible parties.
• Maintenance and Cure – Regardless of fault, maritime workers suffering from hypothermia are entitled to maintenance and cure Maintenance covers living expenses while recovering, and cure covers medical treatment costs.

The team of maritime injury attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer and Harris, L.L.P., is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered hypothermia and other maritime-related injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.