There are cases, unremarkable on their facts and conventionally decided, that are nevertheless noteworthy. This article outlines one such example – a bridge case. Bridge work, whether constructing,...

Although it may often be overlooked as an occupational hazard, lightning poses a serious risk, especially within the maritime industry. Although most facilities are fortunate enough never to have a...

The issues of situs and status as they relate to incidents in parking lots can present some tricky questions. There are also the issues arising out of and in the course of employment. These...

Most employers in labor-intensive industries will list workplace safety as a top priority. Driven by regulatory requirements, customer demands, and the ever-increasing costs of medical treatment for...

The issues of high seas and foreign waters arise frequently. We’ve discussed it before. We still do not have a uniform rule. The question is straightforward: Does the Longshore and Harbor Workers’...

Have you ever stopped to think about the true meaning of the word “leadership”? It’s one of those words readily understood by many but is often difficult to articulate.

Technological advancements have had a dramatic impact on our everyday lives and the pace of technology-driven change is accelerating. While a ship repair facility or marine cargo handling operation...

The workplace culture within your company can have an enormous impact on the success and safety performance of your business. Influencing a workplace culture positively requires members of...

One of the questions we most frequently receive from managers and supervisors is, “Can you offer any suggestions to help me better prepare for a group presentation?”

Can an injured worker be covered concurrently under both the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA)? Spoiler alert – yes. Coverage...

On July 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor implemented the Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. The act requires that civil penalties be adjusted to match that of the U.S. inflation rate. This means...

Beverly Hale (Widow of Anthony R. Hale, Sr.) v. BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair and Signal Mutual Indemnity Association, Ltd., BRB No. 17-0523, 10/10/2018The issue in this case was whether the...

Working from heights is standard operating procedure in maritime environments, and the risks are high. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that falls are among the most...

Our words and voices have a power that many of us don’t use. Speaking up is one of the first steps to strengthening a workplace safety program and changing a safety culture. So often employees sit...

This blog is a continuation of our review of notable Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) court cases from 2018. Hamidullah Makhmoor v. Mission Essential Personnel, LLC and Zurich...

Two questions I routinely get when working with clients on leadership development initiatives are, “Why is this important for supervisors, foremen, and lead personnel? Isn’t their job about managing...

Culture. It’s a word used frequently in nearly every workplace. A company’s core beliefs and values are manifested through actions which ultimately form the company’s “culture”. In maritime...

The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. launched its blog in April 2009. Moderated by longshore expert Jack Martone, the blog focused on providing valuable information, advice, and commentary on the...

The holidays are a time of reflection. For many, it’s an opportunity to get with family and friends to recount stories of the past and to share hopes and dreams for the future. It’s also a time...

With the start of every new year, it’s common to take a fresh look at the current way of doing things and consider a new approach. This year, consider reviewing the safety culture at your company...