Protect people and preserve the facts
Follow the site's emergency response procedures and obtain appropriate medical assistance. Preserve the scene where safe and lawful, record the location and task, identify witnesses and retain relevant vessel, equipment and assignment records. Do not delay treatment while debating whether the employee falls under state compensation, Longshore or seaman rules. Avoid speculative statements about fault or coverage. Protect medical and personal information and use secure channels for records requested by the claims administrator.
Notify the appropriate parties promptly
Use the incident contacts established for the employer, project, vessel operator and potentially relevant insurers. A broker notification does not necessarily satisfy every policy or statutory notice requirement. For Longshore matters, DOL identifies employer reporting and treatment responsibilities, including Form LS-202 requirements for qualifying injuries. Other regulatory reporting may also apply depending on the event. Confirm current deadlines with the claims administrator and legal counsel rather than relying on a generic website checklist.
Coordinate the claim without prejudging status
Provide accurate employment history, work duties, vessel assignments and contractual relationships so the responsible professionals can evaluate the claim. If several policies may be implicated, ask how notice should be coordinated without making inconsistent factual representations. Preserve correspondence and proof of submissions. Establish a contact for the employee and maintain respectful communication. Return-to-work decisions should follow medical guidance and applicable law. The response plan supports timely administration; it does not determine benefits, liability or insurance coverage.
Questions worth asking
Should treatment wait until the worker's maritime status is resolved?
No. Obtain appropriate emergency care and follow the applicable medical authorization process while the professionals assess legal and coverage issues.
Can the employer promise that one policy will pay?
It should not make an unsupported coverage promise. Report the facts promptly and let the insurer and appropriate legal advisers evaluate the matter.
Official references
Sources support the related legal or safety topic. Policy review points are general educational guidance.
U.S. Department of Labor: injury reporting and medical care guidance ↗U.S. Department of Labor: employer reporting responsibilities ↗