You may have a job working at a shipping company. The money may be good, and the work isn’t too tenuous. While this can all seem great, especially if this job is only temporary, you may find there are a lot of dangers while working for a shipping company.
Some of the more well-known dangers people may find at shipping companies include vehicle safety issues (where the driver is unfit or untrained to use a forklift) or slip and falls from oil, water or leaks.
Company workers may want to know what other dangers can arise on the job. Here are two of the most common:
Chemical spills, burns and inhalation injuries
One of the many types of transported goods is an array of chemical compounds – usually with some indication of being flammable or toxic. These chemicals (chlorine, bleach, oil, lithium nitrate and others) can be extremely dangerous if someone comes into contact with them.
Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to chemical burns. Chemical burns could cause blisters, burns, redness or even leave the skin permanently damaged, and cause nerve damage.
Chemical exposure doesn’t just have to come in contact with the skin but also be inhaled. Inhaling chemicals could cause dizziness, headaches, memory loss and/or permanent cognitive issues.
Cargo loading issues and crush injuries
Consumer goods travel great distances – several people may have rearranged the shipment before it arrives at your company. If someone doesn’t know how to correctly load a truck or another container, then it could strike trouble for you.
Improperly loaded cargo can suddenly fall. If you happen to be in the path of fallen goods, you may be trapped under several hundreds of pounds of containers. Extreme pressure on your body could cause broken bones and internal bleeding.
You shouldn’t let your work-related injuries put you and your family in a bad position. You may need to know your options if you are seeking workers’ compensation.