Shipping and Dockyard Accidents

Some jobs and workplaces are inherently more dangerous than others. Shipping and Dockyards are no exception and can often result in life changing, debilitating and sometimes even fatal injuries. Our understanding and experienced workplace lawyers are here to support you through the entire personal injury claim process to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Shipyard Worker Injury

Many of the activities carried out in docks, and shipyards can expose you to various risks, some of the most common of those being:

• Working at height – These activities may be during routine operations, maintenance, or unexpected or unplanned activities. In docks, the added hazard of working near water means a fall may lead to the risk of drowning. Working at height is one of the biggest causes of work-related fatalities and major injuries.
• Accidents involving vehicles – Every year, accidents involving transport vehicles result in people being killed or seriously injured. People fall off vehicles or are struck or crushed by them. Many different people drive in docks and shipyards – this includes drivers from several different employers and members of the public. Not all these drivers will be familiar with the dock environment.
• Lifting and handling – Loading and unloading at docks involves using a wide range of lifting equipment. Some of the most common include gantry cranes, slewing cranes, forklift trucks or other similar machinery. Poorly planned lifting operations can create significant risks to people working in the area. Accidents and injuries are often caused by the failure of lifting equipment, falling loads, and workers being crushed by a moving load or lifting equipment.
• Slips and Trips – Over a quarter of all reportable accidents in docks are due to slips or trips. These can be serious, resulting in broken or dislocated bones and long periods off work. They should not be accepted as ‘one of those things’, and often simple measures can be taken to prevent them from happening.
• Musculoskeletal disorders – Dock workers carry out several activities which, if not properly managed, may lead to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs include back pain and muscle injuries and are often the result of poor handling techniques or tasks involving repetitive movements and/or excessive force. Injuries can also be caused by the vibration created by some vehicles – this is known as whole-body vibration. Some people may not fully recover from MSDs, and they can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life.
• Exposure to harmful substances – Your employer must put proper controls in place to prevent you from being exposed to or breathing in air containing harmful substances such as asbestos fibres, which can, unfortunately, lead to the development of serious illnesses such as asbestos-related diseases, which can include cancers of the lungs and chest lining. The use of asbestos is now banned in the UK, but it is still present onboard various ships and continues to be a huge problem for health and safety, especially during the demolition of ships. Find out more about asbestos-related conditions via our dedicated website – Asbestos Awareness.

 Understandably you may have concerns about making a workplace accident claim against your current employer or are unsure if you have a claim if you no longer work where you were injured. However, there are various laws to protect you and our team will advise and support you throughout your claim. We will explain everything clearly to you, ensuring you are fully aware of your rights and chances of a successful outcome.

Shipping and Dockyard Accident Compensation

Your employer has a duty of care to provide a safe working environment, the appropriate training and efficient safety equipment to keep you as safe as possible while at work. However, dangerous working conditions at a shipyard or on the docks can tragically result in serious injury or death for maritime employees, which could have been avoided in many cases.

Shipping and dockyard injury claims can be complex, but whatever the nature of your injuries and your employment, you want to know that you will be compensated for what has happened to you or a loved one.

Dockyard Accident Solicitors Lincolnshire

Bridge McFarland LLP has expert teams of personal injury lawyers in Lincoln, Hull, Market Rasen, Grimsby and Scarborough, helping clients locally and across the UK with shipping and dockyard accident claims.

With specialist accreditations from The Law Society, Legal 500, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and Lexcel, you can be confident that the Personal Injury team at Bridge McFarland LLP will represent your case to the highest possible standard.

​For clear advice about shipping and dockyard injury compensation, our sensitive, approachable workplace accident solicitors are on hand to discuss your potential claim.

How to Start a Personal Injury Claim

Our personal injury lawyers understand that when making a compensation claim, you will have several questions about how the process works. We offer a free, no obligation initial discussion to discuss your case, where we can highlight your legal rights, the strength of your case to claim compensation, and the steps to making a claim. Find out more about the steps to making a personal injury claim.

Your injury lawyer will also ensure you fully understand the various funding options available, including conditional fee agreements (‘no win, no fee’), and the likely timescales involved in pursuing a claim.

Get in touch with our Personal Injury Lawyers today

For more information about how Bridge McFarland LLP can help you start a personal injury claim, please call 0800 987 8800 or email info@bmcf.co.uk and speak to our experienced team.

Alternatively, if you want to make a direct enquiry, please fill in this online form, and we will get back to you.

Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions