Commercial Diving Accidents

With the expansion of off-shore drilling and pipelines that criss-cross the waters just off the United States coast line, there has been an increase in the number of scuba divers employed by construction firms just to construct and maintain the pipelines and other off-shore items. Commercial divers perform a variety of important tasks and are well known for working in dangerous situations.

There are a number of types of commercial divers. Some are known for working with underwater welding tools and do mostly underwater construction. This type of diver helps with underwater rigs, the hulls of ships, and the assembly and repairs of other underwater items.

Offshore construction divers assist in the construction and maintenance of pipelines and the structures associated with offshore oil and gas production and drilling. Offshore divers also are employed in routine inspections of the structures and use non-destructive testing.

These are just two of the ways that scuba divers put their lives and health at risk in a commercial environment on a daily basis. The same risks that apply for recreational scuba diving are increased in cases of commercial scuba diving because of the environment in which the divers work. Recreational divers typically choose attractive areas with lots of visibility to see as much underwater as possible. Commercial divers, on the other hand, are required to work where they are told and frequently have to deal with murky water.

The tools employed underwater can pose a danger as well. Welding equipment is dangerous in all circumstances. Also, the health risks of surfacing too quickly or not monitoring one’s oxygen supply adequately come into play as well.

Contact a Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you have been injured during a commercial diving job, contact the Charleston workers compensation lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800.