New Crew Members Get Hurt Most During Routine Ship Work
New seafarers face the biggest injury risk, according to The Maritime Telegraph. A new report shows that simple, everyday tasks like maintenance, cargo handling, and mooring operations cause most crew injuries. This is surprising because many people think experience keeps sailors safe, but the data tells a different story.
The report looked at 3,000 crew claims from 2025. More than half of all injuries happened in the first three months on a ship. Even worse, 60% of injuries happened in just the first month when new workers are still learning.
Experienced sailors also get hurt often while doing routine tasks. This shows that fatigue, stress, and heavy workload are bigger problems than lack of knowledge. When workers are tired and under pressure, they make mistakes, even if they know the job well.
Most injuries happen on the main deck during regular maintenance and cargo work. The message is clear: shipping companies need to focus on safety during normal operations, not just during emergencies or complex procedures.
Gard, a major maritime insurance company, says the industry must change its approach. Safety training should focus on human problems – tiredness, stress, and workload – not just on following procedures. When ships understand that real people have real limits, fewer crew members will get hurt.
