Those who work at sea know it is potentially dangerous. They are prepared for choppy waters and falls overboard. Nonetheless, one type of injury that is often overlooked is eye injuries.
There are numerous ways that a seaman can suffer eye injuries. Here are a few things to consider.
Slips and falls
Slips and falls are one of the biggest risks for those at sea. The floor space can quickly become slippy, making falls very likely. Furthermore, when the sea is choppy, it makes it hard for those on board to keep their balance.
Falling can injure several parts of the body, including the eyes. This is especially the case if a worker falls and hits their face on a sharp edge.
Chemicals
Most ships have some sort of chemicals on board. Some ships may be transporting chemical goods from one place to another. Even a passenger cruiseliner will have chemicals on board for laundry and cleaning purposes.
Should these chemicals spill and come into contact with the eyes, they can cause severe eye injuries.
Sparks from welding
Many of the components of a ship are made of metal. As ships are exposed to harsh weather conditions, corrosion is a real possibility. One of the best ways to repair such issues is welding. Welding involves using heat, which in turn causes sparks, to bond metals together. Sparks and small metal fragments pose a severe risk of eye injuries.
If you have been injured while working at sea, some laws protect you. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options for pursuing financial compensation.