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Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies

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There are approximately 400,000 workers employed in US maritime industries, and these workers face a higher risk of fatality, injury, and illness than other American workers. In fact, commercial fishing is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Likewise, the water transportation industry has a fatality rate 4.7 times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers. Hazards presented by the marine environment can be encountered both on the water and at shipyards and marine terminals – and some hazards are unique to a specific maritime industry. The goals of the Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies (CMSHS) are to promote research and develop recommendations that improve safety and health for all maritime workers.

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Occupational Drownings
In the United States, the leading causes of work-related deaths are highway crashes, homicides, falls, and struck by object. Drownings, however, occur to workers exposed to environmental hazards leading to submersion. Any maritime worker, including commercial fishers, merchant mariners, tugboat operators, and other water transportation workers, is exposed to drowning hazards.

NIOSH Fatal Occupational Injury Cost Fact Sheet: Water Transportation (NAICS 483)
Number, Rate and Costs of Fatal Occupational Injuries in the U.S. Water Transportation Industry by Selected Characteristics, 2003-2006.

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  • Page last reviewed: May 31, 2017
  • Page last updated: July 25, 2017
  • Content source: Error processing SSI file
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