According to the Maritime Injury Guide, there are various potential factors that can result in drowning. These range from slips and falls, vessel sinking, lack of employee training, exhausted workers, and faulty equipment. It is noted that not all drowning accidents occur when workers go overboard while at sea. There were cases that happened to workers meeting drowning accidents as vessels were tied to the dock, or doing routine transit. What the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found was that most drowning incidents are the result of workers not wearing any life jackets.
How life jackets save lives
A significant number of maritime drowning incidents occur because workers either do not wear life jackets or use ones that are non-functional. Life jackets are essential in all water-related activities, as they greatly reduce the risk of drowning. Their main purpose is to provide buoyancy, keeping individuals afloat in the water, especially during unexpected emergencies. Whether someone is fatigued, cold, injured, or unable to swim, a properly fitted and functioning life jacket can be the critical factor between life and death.
Worker Safety Starts with the Right Life Jacket
The right life jacket is essential for ensuring personal safety on or near the water. The first step in choosing one is selecting a jacket that fits your body properly; it should match your weight and chest size and allow you to float comfortably and effectively.
Additionally, the life jacket must be appropriate for the specific activity you’ll be performing. For instance, a jacket used for dock work may differ from one needed for open-sea operations. Always ensure your life jacket is in good condition, with no rips, broken zippers, or missing straps.
Most importantly, life jackets should be readily accessible at all times. In an emergency, quick access can make all the difference.
For maritime workers, life jackets are not just recommended; they are a necessity. Safety reports consistently show that simply owning and wearing a life jacket can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. While maritime work comes with inherent risks, the right equipment and strict safety practices help foster a safer, more prepared work environment.
At ADD-On Safety & Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., we are committed to supporting that safety. Our range includes:
- Maritime Life Jackets Built for high-risk environments and rugged use at sea.
- Swimmer Life Jackets Designed for comfort and buoyancy during water-based activities and for individuals with basic swimming skills.
Equip your team with the protection they deserve because safety starts with the right gear.
Our products are widely used to mark or segregate accident-prone areas in factories, warehouses, construction sites, and other critical environments.
Stay safe. Stay prepared.
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📧 Email: info@aosspl.com
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Frequently asked questions
Life jackets are crucial because they provide buoyancy, keeping workers afloat in the event of falls, vessel accidents, or other emergencies. They greatly reduce the risk of drowning, even for those who are injured, unconscious, or unable to swim.
Not necessarily. According to OSHA and the Maritime Injury Guide, many drowning accidents occur even when vessels are docked or during routine operations. These incidents often happen because workers are not wearing life jackets.
If your life jacket isn’t within reach, it may be useless in an emergency. It’s essential that life jackets are worn or kept in an easily accessible location at all times while on or near the water.
Yes. A properly fitted life jacket keeps the wearer afloat even if they cannot swim, are unconscious, or injured, giving rescuers more time to respond.
ADD-On Safety & Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. offers a range of high-quality life jackets for different work conditions:
Maritime Life Jackets: Ideal for rugged and high-risk sea environments.
Swimmer Life Jackets: Designed for basic swimming conditions with comfort and support in mind.