One of the biggest industries in the state of Connecticut is shipbuilding. It is the backbone of our economy and it is truly a sense of pride for all residents of the state. With that pride and economic prosperity also comes the likelihood of workplace injuries that could lead to a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim being filed.
When a worker is at the shipyard performing the duties of her/his job she/he is doing the necessary work to keep this industry moving full steam ahead. Like with all other industries, shipbuilding carries risks as well. Some of these risks are typical risks you might see someone experience when working in a warehouse, but others are very specific to shipbuilding and need to be addressed as their own category that could lead to workplace injuries for these workers.
Some of the situations that could lead to injuries that are possible to occur in a shipyard include the following;
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Fires and explosions. This is one of the more common incidents that happen at a shipyard. When a fire occurs it can lead to serious burns and if it leads to an explosion burns can turn into lacerations that could result in serious injury or even worse, death. Dealing with an injury that has resulted from a fire or an explosion is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a worker in a shipyard.
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Environmental concerns. Many who are working in a shipyard are working outside and that means among the elements of Mother Nature. Wind, snow, rain and freezing rain can all present a serious injury risk for anyone who is outside and working on ships. While it is not always the most productive thing to do to avoid working in the elements and it may not be allowed by your employer, if you can avoid it, you should because the elements, especially along the water, can be particularly devastating to workers.
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Exposure to toxic gasses. Through the process of building a ship it can be necessary to interact with or become exposed to toxic gasses and if the proper safety procedures are not in place being exposed to these types of gasses and chemicals can leave you with a respiratory illness that could last for quite some time and keep you away from the job. If this is the case you will need to file a claim so you can heal and return to work.
Whether you work at an office job and sit at a desk all day or you are on the docks at a shipyard the process for filing a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim is very similar. When an injury occurs you should tell your supervisor immediately so she/he can start the paperwork for your claim.
Unfortunately sometimes claims do get denied and if that is the case you may need a board certified attorney to review your situation and help you walk through the claims process. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you about your particular situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.
