Aerial view of a cargo ship loaded in the Seattle harbor container terminal. iStock/Getty Images Plus.

There are approximately 400,000 workers employed in U.S. maritime industries, and these workers face a higher risk of fatality, injury, and illness than other American workers. In fact, commercial fishing is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Likewise, the water transportation industry has a fatality rate 4.7 times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers.

Hazards presented by the maritime environment can be encountered both on the water and at waterfront facilities, such as shipyards and marine terminals – and some hazards are unique to a specific maritime industry. The goals of the Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies (CMSHS) are to promote research and develop recommendations that improve safety and health for all maritime workers.