Fire safety in the maritime industry is an essential topic. When fire overtakes a vessel, maritime workers have minimal options to save themselves and catastrophic burn injuries are a very real possibility. The confined space and complex systems that govern maritime vessels make the dangers of a fire even more serious, which is why it’s so important for employers and boat owners to have strong safety protocols in place. 

If you’ve been injured in the course of your maritime work, the team at Fuquay Law Firm can help you fight for compensation. Call us at 251-473-4443 to set up a consultation now. 

Common Causes of Burn Injuries 

There are numerous ways maritime workers may suffer burn injuries, including: 

• Fire incidents: Fires can break out for all sorts of reasons, from engine malfunctions and electrical faults to cooking incidents and dangerous cargo. In the course of either trying to escape the fire or manage it, maritime workers can become seriously injured. 
• Chemical exposure: Chemical burns are sadly common on many vessels. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, either those used aboard the vessel or those transported as cargo, can put maritime workers directly in harm’s way. 
• Steam accidents: Steam explosions and leaks, while not visibly as dangerous as fire, can cause equally severe burns among crew members working near steam pipes or in engine rooms. 
• Scalding: Steam and hot liquids from boilers, water heaters, and cooking equipment may lead to serious burn injuries in various parts of a vessel. 
• Electrical accidents: Faulty wiring or equipment can lead to arc flashes and electric shocks, resulting in burns and other life-threatening injuries. 

Fire Safety Regulations and Standards on Vessels

Vessels are subject to extensive fire safety regulations, both those set by national authorities and international maritime organizations. Aboard a well-run vessel, you’ll often find the following safety equipment: 

• Detection and alarm systems: A key part of avoiding burns is detecting fires early and alerting everyone as quickly as possible. A functional vessel must have effective alarm systems that are regularly inspected and tested. 
• Firefighting equipment: When fires do happen, putting them out as quickly as possible can limit the amount of maritime workers exposed to harm. Fire extinguishers, hoses, and other components must be tested for functionality and kept in locations that are easy for workers to access. 
• Training and drill protocols: Having the right equipment isn’t enough—maritime workers must also know what to do when an emergency occurs. Training should occur at the time of hire and then often enough to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. This includes drills for emergencies like fires, chemical spills, and electrical system failures. 
• Emergency procedures: Prompt evacuation is an essential part of any fire safety plan. Every vessel should have stringent emergency procedures that workers are trained in and tested on. 

Prevention of Burn Injuries in Maritime Settings 

Preventing burn injuries requires work from everyone involved in maritime work, from the vessel owner and supervisors to those who work in every aspect of the vessel’s operations. Owners should conduct regular risk assessments to figure out which areas of a boat are at greatest risk of fires, allowing them to ensure that each area has the necessary detection systems and firefighting equipment. Furthermore, regular inspections and maintenance must be prioritized. Equipment left to fall into disrepair is less than useless when a fire occurs. 

Enforcement of safety protocols is another component that can be overlooked on a busy vessel. When a vessel goes a long time without burn injuries, it’s easy for workers to become complacent and skip time-consuming safety steps that may slow down their work. This puts them in the ideal position to suffer severe injuries when a fire does occur. Both employees and supervisors must uphold these safety standards and protocols. 

Start Your Claim with Fuquay Law Firm 

If you’ve suffered a maritime injury in Alabama, Fuquay Law Firm can help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Set up a consultation now to discuss your legal options and figure out your next steps. Just call us at 251-473-4443 or reach out online to connect with our team now.