FACTS

Shipyard Accidents are Influenced by Shipyard Environmental Conditions:

1. Slippery surfaces due to wet or oily conditions, inadequate lighting, or cluttered work areas can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
2. Low visibility caused by poor lighting, fog, smoke, or dust can hinder workers’ ability to see potential hazards, increasing the risk of collisions, falls, or accidents involving machinery and equipment.
3. Accidental spills, leaks, or improper handling of these substances can result in chemical exposure incidents, leading to respiratory problems, burns, or other health issues.
4. Inadequate storage, improper handling, or sparks from welding or cutting operations can ignite fires or trigger explosions, causing severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life.
5. Lack of proper ventilation, presence of toxic gases, or insufficient safety procedures can lead to accidents such as asphyxiation, explosions, or getting trapped inside confined spaces.
6. Factors like poor visibility, unstable ground conditions, or adverse weather conditions can contribute to accidents involving machinery, such as collisions, overturning, or being struck by moving parts.

STATS

• Researchers found 86% of ship repair workers later developed asbestosis. This included individuals who did not work directly with asbestos materials.
• Another report found the mortality rate for asbestosis among shipyard workers is 16 times higher than for other occupations.
• The consequences of asbestos use in shipyards are far-reaching. Some former shipyard workers develop related diseases as much as 50 years after exposure.
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), show 2,268 people died from mesothelioma in 2021.
• The environmental effects of shipping include air pollution, water pollution, acoustic, and oil pollution. Ships are responsible for more than 18% of nitrogen oxides pollution, and  3% of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Maritime transport accounts for 3.5% to 4% of all greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide. According to the World Bank, in 2022, the shipping industry’s 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions make it “the sixth largest greenhouse gas emitter worldwide.
• 137,110 shipyard workers in the United States (2020)