Freight and shipping are responsible for carrying about 90% of the world’s trade, according to the International Chamber of Shipping. Even with present difficult circumstances, the freight industry does not stop. This also means that the people that work in this industry are still facing possible occupational hazards and injuries. To that end, what sort of injuries are commonplace in the freight industry as a whole?
Slip And Fall Injuries For Sea Freight
Around 46% of injuries sustained in the line of sea freight are caused by slips and falls, according to the American Bureau of Shipping. The general cost of a slip and fall incident is about $20,000, according to Sandy Smith of EHS Today. Experienced industrial accident lawyers will tell you that slip and fall incidents can happen onboard a freight ship for a multitude of reasons, such as weather, improper maintenance, negligence, and even worker’s error. Indeed, many cases are brought against employers each year in order to hold responsible parties to account. In such instances, legal funding companies can provide financial assistance to workers seeking compensation, ensuring they can pursue justice without financial strain. While a slip and fall may sound simple, it can open the way to more serious injuries. As such, it is important that sea freight workers are highly aware of their footing and surroundings at all times.
Strains And Sprains For Land Freight
As for land freight, around 50% of injuries involve strains and sprains, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. While seemingly innocuous, strains and sprains can delay deliveries, as the workers are unable to complete their duties: not only does it affect workers personally, it hampers shipping as a whole. Strains and sprains are often caused by long hours, accidents, and overall physical fatigue.
Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries For Air Freight
In air freight, workers often utilize heavy machinery like forklifts to complete their tasks. Airfreight workers also perform a wide variety of strenuous activities such as pushing, pulling, and lifting cargo. This exposes them to the possibility of acute musculoskeletal injuries like breaks and fractures. Breaks in bones take significantly longer to heal, and can even result in truly life-changing conditions. Sadly, such injuries are filed under common occurrences, and workers must be aware in order to lessen their risk.
Injuries sustained in the freight industry can lead to a decline in the overall quality of life of freight workers. This is why understanding what sort of injuries they can accrue is critical: it enables workers to be more aware and be prepared to deal with the risks associated with their employment. However, with health and safety measures in a constant state of improvement, things may be looking up for the freight industry as a whole.
