Hurricane Season and Maritime Workers: What Protections Are in Place?
Every year from June through November, hurricane season brings more than just powerful storms — it delivers real and potentially life-threatening challenges for those who work offshore or along the Gulf Coast. Maritime workers often find themselves in the path of these massive weather systems, facing unpredictable seas, evacuation risks, and heightened dangers on the job.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active and destructive in recent memory. It produced 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes — including multiple Category 5 storms for the first time since 2019. It became the third-costliest hurricane season on record, trailing only 2017 and 2005. For maritime workers, these numbers aren’t just alarming — they reflect the growing dangers they face each year on the job.
While many people can evacuate and shelter inland, maritime workers are often required to remain on duty longer or return to work shortly after a storm passes. So, what protections are in place to keep them safe? And what legal rights do they have if an employer fails to act responsibly?
In this post, we’ll explore the legal safeguards designed to protect maritime workers during hurricane season, the responsibilities employers must uphold, and what to do if you or a loved one is injured in storm-related work conditions.
The Risk to Maritime Workers During Hurricanes
For most people, a hurricane warning signals time to evacuate, stock up on supplies, and take shelter. But for maritime workers — especially those on offshore oil rigs, cargo ships, fishing vessels, and port facilities — storm preparation is far more complicated, and the risks are significantly higher.
Hurricanes can generate violent seas, extreme winds, and rapidly changing conditions that make navigation and operations incredibly dangerous. Vessels may become unmoored or capsize, communication systems can fail, and evacuation procedures may be delayed or improperly executed. Even port-based workers may face hazards from flooding, flying debris, or unsafe infrastructure if employers don’t act quickly enough to shut down operations.
History has shown us the devastating consequences of inadequate storm preparation. Incidents like the Deepwater Horizon disaster, though not caused directly by a hurricane, have emphasized how offshore operations are uniquely vulnerable to systemic failures — and those failures can be exacerbated when storms are in play.
For maritime workers, being caught in a hurricane isn’t just bad luck — it can be the result of poor planning, lack of communication, or employer negligence. And when that happens, knowing your rights under maritime law becomes essential.
Legal Protections in Place
Maritime workers have special legal rights if they’re hurt during a storm. Here are the main ones to know:
The Jones Act
If your employer didn’t keep you safe during a hurricane, you may have the right to sue. The Jones Act protects workers who get hurt because of employer mistakes — like not evacuating in time or sending you out in dangerous weather.
Maintenance and Cure
If you’re injured on the job, your employer must pay for:
- Maintenance – basic living costs while you recover
- Cure – medical treatment
It doesn’t matter who caused the injury — you still get maintenance and cure benefits.
Seaworthiness
Your employer has to make sure the ship is safe and ready for storms. If the boat isn’t in good shape and you get hurt, that’s a problem under maritime law.
Safety Rules
OSHA and the Coast Guard require emergency plans. If your company ignores storm warnings or skips safety steps, they could be held responsible.
Employer Responsibilities During Hurricane Season
Companies that put workers offshore or near the coast must take hurricane risks seriously. Here’s what they’re expected to do:
Watch the Weather
Employers should keep a close eye on weather reports. If a storm is on the way, they need to act quickly to protect workers — usually by evacuating well before it hits.
Have an Emergency Plan
Every crew should have a clear plan for hurricanes. That includes how to evacuate, where to go, and who’s in charge during an emergency.
Keep Equipment Ready
All vessels and safety gear must be properly maintained. If something breaks during a storm, it can cause serious injuries or worse.
Train the Crew
Workers need to know what to do in a storm. That means regular training, clear instructions, and practice drills when possible.
Take Responsibility
If a company fails to prepare and someone gets hurt, they could be legally responsible. Employers must put worker safety first — always.
What to Do If You’re Injured During a Hurricane
If you’re hurt while working during a hurricane, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical help. Don’t wait. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor.
- Report the injury. Tell your supervisor or employer right away. Make sure the report is written down and kept on file.
- Document everything. Take photos, write down what happened, and get the names of any witnesses.
- Don’t sign anything without legal advice. You could be giving up important rights. Always talk to a maritime lawyer first.
- Speak with a maritime attorney. A lawyer can explain your options and help you get benefits like maintenance and cure — or even compensation for employer negligence.
Stay Safe — And Know Your Rights
Hurricane season is dangerous, especially for those who work on the water. While storms can’t be stopped, employers can and must take steps to protect their crews. If they don’t — and you get hurt — you have legal rights.
At Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC, our maritime attorneys helped maritime workers stand up to unsafe employers and win the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one was injured during a hurricane while working offshore or at sea, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free case review. We’ll walk you through your options and fight for your rights every step of the way.