Why Maritime Workers Face Serious Risks — and What Injured Seamen Need to Know
From the Houston Ship Channel to Galveston Bay and down through the Port of Corpus Christi, dredges, tugboats, and barges keep Texas commerce moving. These vessels operate in some of the busiest and most hazardous waterways in the country. But the men and women who work aboard them face real, daily dangers — often with little room for error.
At Gilman & Allison, LLP, we represent injured maritime workers across the Gulf Coast, and we see firsthand how dangerous these vessels can be. Below are the most common hazards workers face and what your rights are when an injury happens.
1. The Hazards of Working on Dredges
Dredges operate heavy machinery in constantly shifting environments. Workers face risks from:
- Moving cutterheads and suction equipment
- High-pressure hydraulic lines
- Unstable footing on dredge decks
- Nighttime operations with limited visibility
- Crane and excavator operations from support barges
A single malfunction or miscommunication can cause catastrophic injuries. Many dredge workers also face long shifts and fatigue, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
2. Dangers Aboard Tugboats
Tugboats are powerful but compact, leaving crew with very little room to maneuver. Common hazards include:
- Line-handling injuries from hawsers or tow lines
- Snap-back zones causing fatal strikes
- Slippery decks from fuel, oil, and spray
- Crush injuries during docking or pushing operations
- Engine-room burns and mechanical failures
Because tug operations require constant movement, seamen are often injured while trying to catch lines, secure tow gear, or move between the tug and the tow.
3. Risks on Barges and Tow Units
Barge crews work in harsh, often unpredictable conditions. Common barge-related dangers include:
- Falls between barges during transfers
- Collisions with other vessels
- Shifting cargo or unsecured rigging
- Heavy equipment accidents during loading or unloading
- Lack of railings, lighting, or safe walkways
Many barges lack basic safety features, increasing the risk of injury during routine tasks.
Why These Injuries Happen
Texas waterways are crowded and high-pressure environments. Accidents often occur because of:
- Understaffing and long hours
- Lack of proper training
- Poor vessel maintenance
- Inadequate safety procedures
- Fatigue and rushed operations
- Unseaworthy vessel conditions
When vessel owners cut corners, workers are the ones who pay the price.
Your Rights as an Injured Maritime Worker
If you’re injured on a dredge, tugboat, or barge, you may be protected under:
- The Jones Act (seamen)
- Unseaworthiness claims
- Maintenance and cure
- General maritime law
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (for refusal to pay maintenance & cure)
- Long-term disability or reduced earning capacity
You do not have to prove the accident was your fault; only that your employer’s negligence played any part at all in causing your injury.
Gilman & Allison, LLP Fights for Injured Dredge, Tugboat & Barge Workers
Our attorneys understand maritime work — many of us have maritime backgrounds and firsthand knowledge of life on the water. We know the dangers tug crews, dredge operators, and barge hands face daily, and we fight aggressively when employers fail to protect their people.
If you were injured on a dredge, tugboat, or barge anywhere in Texas waters, call us at (713) 224-6622 for a free consultation.
We’re here to protect Texas maritime workers — on and off the water.