Most employers maintain workers' compensation insurance to protect their employees. Tens of thousands of workers are injured on the job in the United States every single year. Those working in the maritime industry face various hazardous every day. Workers' compensation benefits include medical coverage and cover a portion of lost wages while the worker is recovering. States set their own workers' comp laws, so the benefits can vary. Marine Engineers Beneficial Association As the oldest maritime trade union in the U.S. that remains in existence, the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association was established in 1875. Its membership includes licensed mariners, especially engine and deck officers working as members of the United States Merchant Marines aboard U.S.-flagged vessels. Members work in the oceans and Great Lakes. These are staff on container ships, tug boats, tankers, cruise ships, drillships, ferries, and various marine industries and shoreside ship transport fields. The organization has about 24,000 members whose families benefit from collective bargaining agreements through the union's vacation plan, pension trust, 401(k) plan, and medical plan. The negotiations and bargaining might even involve workers' compensation benefits. Common Workplace Injuries Members of the U.S. Merchant Marines face risks on land and sea while performing work duties. A slip on the deck of the boat can lead to serious back and neck injuries and possibly even lead to paralysis or require surgical procedures. Operating machinery such as winches or chains can be a hazard that leads to severed limbs, crushed arms or hands, or broken legs. A fall off the deck or down stairs can lead to a concussion, traumatic brain injury, or broken bones. Rough seas during a storm can lead to head injuries or broken bones as you are thrown around in the ship. Lifting heavy cargo or pushing large loads can lead to back strains, sprains, and slipped discs. You can be hit by a forklift or a pallet jack when loading or unloading cargo on the shoreline or on the ship's deck. If you work with the electrical or electronic equipment onboard the boat or ship, you could suffer serious burns or beshocked or electrocuted. This can be life-altering injuries. If you have been hurt on the job, notify your Marine Engineers Beneficial Association representative. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have suffered an injury while at work, you need to follow a few steps to make sure you preserve evidence to support your claim and you protect your rights to pursuing a claim for benefits. Here are some tips: Be sure you notify your manager, supervisor, or human resources department of any accident and any injuries as quickly as possible. Make sure your employer files an accident report. Keep a copy of this report for future reference. If 911 is called, get a copy of the report filed by local law enforcement. Get immediate medical care. Some injuries are more serious than they initially appear, so make sure you get checked out even if you don't think your injuries are significant. Consult with your Marine Engineers Beneficial Association representative about your injuries. They can provide you with information about filing a workers' compensation claim. Protect Your Legal Rights Don't risk losing any benefits you are entitled to receive after a work-related injury. Instead, consult with a workers' compensation attorney before you try to deal with the insurance company. A lawyer will look out for you and your interests and your Marine Engineers Beneficial Association will be able to help you with the claims process. Additional Resources How Much is Your Claim Worth? Workers' Compensation Claims by Injury *Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
