WHEN "THE WORKPLACE" IS ABOARD A MARINE VESSEL When evaluating
"the workplace" aboard marine vessels in terms of workplace safety, it
should be recognized that marine vessels are are unique and operate in a unique
environment compared to land based workplace facilities. A few of the more obvious
differences include: (a) an economy of space, (b) an environment subject to movement
corresponding to the movement of the surrounding sea, and (c) an environment that is often
wet.
An additional difference between marine vessel workplace environments and land based
workplace environments that impacts on the importance of workplace safety is the
recognition that marine vessels are typically not equipped to respond to medical
emergencies in as timely a fashion as are land based facilities. As a delay in injury
treatment may aggravate the degree of injury, this and other differences between marine
and land based workplace facilities emphasize the importance of the proper establishment
and strict implementation of basic marine workplace safety programming.
The above and other related differences between marine vessels and land based workplace
facilities have a significant impact on various issues related to marine workplace safety
and the prevention of injuries to marine workplace personnel, particularly in regard to
emphasizing the importance of utilizing every reasonably available resource in designing
the marine workplace environment to minimize the potential for personal injury. That is,
given the inherent dangers associated with the adverse environments under which marine
vessels must operate, prudent vessel management must utilize every reasonably available
and feasible workplace standard or guideline to the maximum, in order to promote vessel
safety and to prevent injury to vessel personnel. Under such conditions, adherence to only
"minimum standards" when more advanced safeguards are readily available and
feasible, admits to an excessive and reckless lack of caution likely in time to cause
great harm, and should not be condoned.
