The maritime industry requires workers to expose themselves to high-risk situations on a constant basis, which means remembering safety protocols, having a plan for every possible outcome, and understanding what’s at stake if they get careless. This type of pressure can take a toll on a maritime worker’s mental health. Barotrauma injuries are a particular source of concern due to their severity. Those who work on offshore drilling rigs, submarines, and diving operations are at heightened risk of barotrauma. It’s crucial that offshore workers know what barotrauma injuries are, how to prevent them, and how to advocate for themselves if they are injured.

Have you been injured while working offshore? You could be entitled to compensation. Our team of Mobile, AL maritime injury attorneys can help you learn your options and plan your next steps. Call us at 251-473-4443 to set up a consultation with Fuquay Law Firm now.

Barotrauma and Its Role in the Maritime Industry

Barotrauma injuries occur under very specific circumstances. Tissue damage happens as the result of the expansion or contraction of the gases within the body, and this contraction and expansion happens because of changes in pressure. Maritime workers are at particular risk of barotrauma because of the enormous physical pressure they endure when working underwater. The risk is also significant in submarines, which are known for their pressurized environments.

Barotrauma generally happens after a diver or worker goes through massive changes in pressure in a short period of time. The deeper you go in the water, the more pressure your body is under. Ascending too quickly can cause gases to expand rapidly and lead to tissue damage. Those who work underwater have strict limits regarding how quickly they can ascend after a descent. For example, divers are not recommended to ascend at a rate greater than 60 feet per minute when diving more than 60 feet. The deeper you go, the more time you’ll need to acclimate to pressure as you ascend.

Types of Barotrauma Injuries and What to Look For

These injuries can affect various parts of the body, and they range in severity from mild to life-threatening. One potential injury is barotitis media, which is often referred to as airplane ear or ear squeeze. It occurs when you go through major changes in pressure in a short period of time and the pressure in the middle ear does not equalize. While uncomfortable, it rarely requires further intervention.

Sinus barotrauma, also known as barosinusitis, leaves victims with intense facial pain and a nosebleed. It’s generally mild and is fairly common among divers, but in certain circumstances, it can pose very real risks to a maritime worker’s health.

Perhaps one of the most dangerous barotrauma injuries is pulmonary barotrauma. Lung tissue may suffer damage when air pressure in the lungs changes too rapidly. People with pulmonary barotrauma often suffer chest pain, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing. Extreme cases of pulmonary barotrauma can lead to a collapsed lung and be fatal. When a maritime worker suspects pulmonary barotrauma, they must seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing and Mitigating Injuries

In some situations, there is little you can do to prevent barotrauma injuries. For example, no matter how quickly or slowly you ascend or descend, you’ll likely experience some degree of discomfort or pain. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on basic safety procedures that can help prevent more serious barotrauma injuries.

Proper surfacing is a key topic in maritime worker training. It’s important for employers to emphasize the importance of this information and schedule regular refresher courses for those who have worked in the industry for a long time. This makes it more likely that someone trying to surface will be able to remember important information while panicking underwater.

Routine inspection and maintenance of safety equipment is another cornerstone of injury prevention and mitigation. Many maritime deaths have been directly attributed to malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment.

Finally, those who show signs of barotrauma must have access to prompt medical care. With many injuries, an individual’s outcome is directly linked to how quickly they receive care.

Start Your Maritime Injury Claim with Fuquay Law Firm

If you’ve been injured at work, you could be entitled to significant compensation. Our team of maritime injury attorneys is here to support you in your fight for full compensation. Contact us online or call 251-473-4443 to set up a consultation with our maritime injury attorneys.

Understanding and Addressing Barotrauma Injuries in the Maritime Industry

Suffering from barotrauma injuries in the maritime industry? Learn about prevention and your legal options with our Mobile, AL maritime injury attorneys at Fuquay Law Firm. Call 251-473-4443 now.

Service Type: Maritime Injury Attorney