Tankermen working aboard barges and tank vessels are regularly exposed to hazardous cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, and industrial liquids. When vessel owners fail to provide proper safety procedures, protective equipment, or ventilation, maritime workers can suffer serious chemical exposure injuries. Under the Jones Act, injured seamen may pursue claims against their employers when negligence contributes to unsafe working conditions.
Chemical exposure incidents frequently occur during cargo transfers, tank cleaning operations, and barge loading or unloading. Tankermen working in busy Gulf Coast waterways such as the Houston Ship Channel, terminals near the Port of Houston, and petrochemical hubs around Port Arthur, Beaumont, Texas City, and Corpus Christi often handle volatile substances that can cause burns, respiratory injuries, and long-term health complications if proper precautions are not followed.
Common causes of chemical exposure injuries for tankermen include:
- Improperly ventilated cargo tanks
- Lack of protective equipment such as respirators or chemical-resistant clothing
- Failure to warn workers of hazardous cargo contents
- Leaks or spills during cargo transfer operations
- Improper tank cleaning procedures
Exposure to hazardous cargo can cause immediate injuries such as chemical burns or respiratory distress, as well as long-term conditions affecting the lungs, skin, and nervous system. When these injuries occur due to unsafe vessel conditions or negligent safety procedures, maritime workers may also have claims for unseaworthiness and the right to receive maintenance and cure benefits while recovering.
The maritime attorneys at Gilman & Allison, LLP represent injured tankermen, barge workers, and seamen throughout the Texas Gulf Coast. Workers harmed by chemical exposure during cargo operations should evaluate their rights under federal maritime law and the Jones Act.