Maritime Frostbite Injuries

Maritime jobs can be dangerous for many reasons, including working in extreme conditions. Many maritime workers operate in cold climates and cold waters, which can lead to frostbite injuries. If you suffered frostbite in a maritime job, contact a lawyer to help you seek compensation.

Frostbite Injuries in the Maritime Industry

Frostbite is a type of cold injury that freezes and damages skin and underlying tissue.

In the early stages, when the injury is still mild, it is called frostnip. Mild cases recover, but more moderate and severe frostbite can cause permanent damage.

In the early stages, frostbite causes coldness and pain. The skin may be red or purple. As it progresses, the area becomes tingly and eventually numb and gray or black.

Any prolonged exposure to cold temperatures without adequate protection can cause frostbite. Windy and wet conditions can speed the onset and progression of frostbite. It occurs most readily on fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, and the tip of the nose.

Potential complications of frostbite include long-term numbness, increased sensitivity to cold in the future, loss of fingernails or toenails, infections, and amputation. Treatment for frostbite includes rewarming the area, taking pain medications, protecting the injured area from infection, taking medications to restore blood flow, and, in some cases, surgical removal of damaged tissue.

Why Are Maritime Workers Susceptible to Frostbite?

Anyone working in cold conditions could potentially develop frostbite. Some maritime workers are especially susceptible to cold injuries because of where they work—for instance, offshore workers in the North Sea work in very cold conditions.

Other maritime workers who regularly experience cold conditions include commercial fishermen and seamen on vessels that travel through cold areas. Even when the air temperature does not seem that cold, frostbite can occur in windy and wet conditions and without adequate protection.

Some workers may be even more susceptible to frostbite because of pre-existing conditions or specific circumstances:

• Diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Poor circulation
• Smoking
• Impaired judgment due to substances or fatigue
• A history of cold injuries
• Being older

In addition to frostbite, maritime workers are at risk for hypothermia. Frostbite is a localized cold injury, while hypothermia is systemic. It involves the entire body and can be fatal if not addressed quickly.

Preventing Frostbite in Maritime Jobs

Working in cold conditions can be safe with the right precautions. Employers are responsible for providing workers with safe conditions, which include protection from freezing temperatures. Workers should have access to the proper clothing, outerwear, and accessories for a job in cold, wet, and windy conditions.

Workers should wear the appropriate gear, even if it doesn’t seem necessary. Frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly and unexpectedly. The worker may not immediately recognize the early signs of a cold injury.

Weather monitoring can also prevent cold injuries. Supervisors should be prepared to stop work when conditions become too cold or dangerous. They should also provide workers with adequate break time to warm up when working in cold conditions.

Finally, workers must know the early signs of frostbite and other cold injuries. They should be trained to recognize these signs in themselves and others and directed to report them right away to prevent severe injuries and complications.

What to Do if You Experience Frostbite in a Maritime Job

Frostbite must be recognized and treated immediately to avoid the most severe complications. If you cannot access medical care right away, administer first aid. First aid for frostbite includes:

• If possible, get out of the cold, remove wet clothing, and put on warm clothing or wrap up in a blanket.
• Soak the affected skin in warm (not hot) water for about 30 minutes. Or apply warm cloths to the affected area.
• Do not attempt to rewarm the area unless you can get to a warm location. If the skin only re-freezes, this can cause more damage. In this case, cover and protect the frostbite area.
• Protect the affected area of the skin. If the frostbite is on the feet, do not put weight on them.
• Do not rub the affected area or apply heat directly to it. This includes a heating pad, heating lamp, or hair dryer.
• Get medical care for frostbite as soon as possible.

In addition to medical care, your frostbite should be reported according to your employer’s official process. Your supervisor may be responsible for making the report, but you should ensure it happens. You’ll need that documentation to seek compensation.

Once stable and treated for frostbite, consider taking legal action or seeking compensation for related expenses. A maritime lawyer can help you determine if negligence played a role in your injuries and which maritime laws apply to you.

Seamen can sue for damages under the Jones Act when injured due to negligence. Different laws that offer workers’ compensation cover shipyard and offshore workers. Rely on a maritime lawyer to help you go through the process of filing a lawsuit or claim. They give you the best chance of compensation for medical and other expenses.