Seafarers have one of the nation’s riskier jobs, but the Seafarers International Union has at least made working conditions and safety standards progressively better. Accidents can still happen and may have nothing to do with the dangers of the sea. Being far out to sea when a serious accident happens simply makes treatment more problematic. Fortunately, workers’ compensation helps to pay for all medical treatment and a part of any lost wages. Who are the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU)? The Seafarers International Union is the largest union in North America for merchant mariners who work on seagoing craft, on the Great Lakes, or the inland waterways on U.S. or Canadian flagged ships. There are over 35,000 members of this union which has been in existence since 1938 and is affiliated to the AFL-CIO. The SIU exists to ensure better and safer working conditions on board boats and ships, whether they are container ships, ferries or fishing trawlers. The union also provides training facilities and medical and pension benefits. Injuries Experienced by Seafarers SIU members work on tremendously varied vessels. The crew member working on the deck of a Pacific fishing trawler is likely to experience different risks to an engineer on a New York ferry. The fisherman can get his or her hands mangled by winches hauling in nets or cut by monofilament. The deck worker on a container ship or bulk freighter can suffer blows from falling heavy objects as cargo is moved on and off the vessel. The ferry operator on a cross harbor ferry in San Francisco, for example can experience slip and fall injuries during heavy weather. Fortunately, despite the many different accident scenarios, workers’ compensation is a right for those employees who are genuinely injured regardless of fault. What to Do If You Have Been Injured At Work As a member of the SIO, the steps you should take after an injury at work should be explained by the representative at your local. It is important to get medical treatment first, whatever the nature of the injury. No compensation will be paid if you do not have documented medical treatment. Your supervisor should be notified, with details of the accident and the extent of your injury. You will have a limited period to file an official Accident Report with your employer. Make sure you do contact your SIO representative to get acquainted with the claim procedure and to make sure you don’t miss out on what you should do when you submit the claim. An attorney can help with any specific legal problems, so it's a good idea to get an evaluation of your case as soon as you are able. Understand Your Legal Rights With the Help of an Attorney A workers’ compensation attorney can help explain your legal rights to compensation if you are a seafarer who has been injured while at work. The attorney will be particularly useful if you encounter resistance from the insurer to pay you an adequate amount, or an outright denial. Further Reading Help! I was Injured Working for Trident Seafoods! Help! I was Hurt Working for Anna-Marie Fish Co. Member of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association? *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.
