Could Hours of Service Rules be Next for Towing Vessel Workers?

Recently, the Coast Guard proposed a new rule regarding safety inspections for many of our nation's towing vessels. The rule was proposed in accordance with a law passed seven years ago - the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 - that required such inspections.

In the rule proposed on August 11, 2011, the Coast Guard states that it is considering establishing hours of service standards for tow vessel workers, and it is requesting public comment on this issue.

Specifically, the Coast Guard is looking for feedback about*:

• The best way to manage work and rest periods on towing vessels
• How many hours of uninterrupted sleep towing vessel workers need
• The potential economic consequences of hours of service rules
• The benefit of required hours of service rules
• Whether hours of service rules are likely to reduce accidents and injuries

The Coast Guard recognizes that concern about maritime worker fatigue is not new and that individuals have different sleep requirements to be able to be alert and function safely. However, the Coast Guard is considering maritime hours of service rules for towing vessel maritime workers that would require a 7 or 8 hour period of uninterrupted sleep and another sleep period within each 24 hour period.

Are you a tow vessel worker? What do you think about hours of service rules? Be sure to let the Coast Guard know before it is too late. If you have been hurt or if you have lost a loved one in a towing vessel accident, then please call a New York Jones Act attorney today at 1-800-3-MAY-DAY.

*Source: Occupational Health and Safety, Coast Guard Setting Safety Rules for Towing Vessels, August 13, 2011

Read More About Towing Vessel Safety in our FREE Library Article: New Proposed Rule for Towing Vessel Safety.