December 2016
Vibratory Tool Reminder! 
We have previously discussed the harmful effects of the use of vibratory tools, especially when it is on a regular or daily basis. Since our last admonition on this subject the shipowners and manufacturers have done little to improve the safety of using these tools. Despite manufacturers recommending hour limits on daily use, most shipping companies have not put this advice into practice. Some less harmful models are now available but shipping companies have not bothered to use them. Even the gel gloves offered by some shipping companies offer little protection. As we have said before, if you experience any tingling or numbness while using a vibratory tool, stop work and report it immediately.
Question From The Bridge
I’m on a ship and doing a lot of needle gunning during overtime. I’m using the gel gloves they gave me but my hands are still tingling and going numb. I need the overtime but I’m also worried about my long term health. What should I do?
Bob A. Jacksonville, FL. .
Answer:
Dear Bob,
Gel gloves are not adequate to insulate you from the effects of the vibration. They help very little. You need to stop using these tools and seek medical attention. Be sure and give them a complete history of your use of the tools. This type of harm is seldom reversible without surgery, but discontinuing the use of the tools will eliminate further harm.
Temporary Address Change
We have relocated to San Francisco while our new Oakland space undergoes renovation from fire damage. We have offices on both sides of the Bay to serve you! Look for our Oakland opening sometime in late spring. In the meantime, please contact us at
The Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr.
535 Pacific Avenue, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94133
Our phone and fax remain the same
PPh: 510-291-4743
www.sealawyer.com.
About Our Law Firm
For more than four decades, merchant mariners, longshoremen, fishermen and harbor workers plying their trades at sea, on the docks, on our U.S. coastal waters and inland waterways have turned to the maritime law firm of Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr. & Associates in Oakland. Today, we are proud to be recognized as one of the preeminent maritime law firms serving injured marine workers nationwide, as well as one of the most successful personal injury litigation firms serving victims of negligence in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the West Coast.
Team Approach To Every Personal Injury And Jones Act Claim
When you retain Law Offices of Cavin and Marks, Jr. & Associates for a Jones Act injury claim; or personal injury claim, you don’t get just one attorney, you get our entire team of dedicated professionals. Our attorneys offer more than 150 combined years of courtroom and negotiated claims settlement experience. We will represent your interests with unwavering dedication, speed and expertise.