Attorneys for the maritime worker
since 1970

October 2014

Use The Proper Personal Protective Equipment

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The shipowner is responsible for providing the proper tools and the personal protective equipment (PPE) for all jobs on the vessel. However, there is often an inadequate supply of PPE or the wrong PPE is available. For instance, there may be gloves available but they are for painting, and would not adequately protect your hands while using a needle gun. ! It is important to raise these issues at safety meetings or to report them to your supervisor. In order to protect yourself and your shipmates, always make sure you have the right PPE, before starting any job. If it is unavailable, do not do the job, or at the very least make a written record should an issue arise later. Unfortunately, shipping companies will attempt to blame you if you are injured while not wearing the right PPE. While there is law that protects you, it is far better to demand they provide you with the right PPE before you start any job.

Question From The Bridge

I just recently was told by the company to buy new work boots. Do I have to do this?
Josh R., New York, NY.
.

Answer:
Josh,
No, but it is a good idea. Generally, the company is responsible for providing you with all of the personal protective equipment and clothing you might need. This usually consists of gloves and goggles, but not work boots. If your boots are not in good condition and you slip or fall, the company can partially blame you for the accident, even if there was oil all over the deck! Therefore, it is in your best interests to keep your boots in good condition. Depending on your union agreement, you may be entitled to re-imbursement for a new pair.

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 with 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.