Maersk Line has agreed to change its safety reporting policies and pay a former employee after firing them for reporting safety issues to the U.S. Coast Guard without first telling the company.
The agreement comes after a hearing in June 2024, where the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that Maersk violated the employee’s rights under the Seaman’s Protection Act. This law protects workers who report safety issues from retaliation. OSHA found that Maersk’s policy, which required employees to notify the company before contacting the Coast Guard, was against the law. Workers have the right to report safety concerns directly to authorities without fear of punishment.
The investigation started when the seaman raised safety concerns about the ship Safmarine Mafadi in December 2020. The issues included:
- Lifeboat equipment needing repairs
- Crew members possibly drinking alcohol
- Inadequate supervision of trainee crew members
- Problems with a system that prevents flooding
Seema Nanda, the Solicitor of Labor, emphasized that the Department of Labor will protect workers who report safety concerns. She praised the former employee for their bravery in raising these issues, which could have endangered the crew.
As part of the settlement, Maersk agreed to:
- Remove the requirement for workers to notify the company before contacting the Coast Guard.
- Not retaliate against workers who reach out to the Coast Guard.
- Train all supervisors on the new policy.
- Provide a safety information sheet to crew members for the next two years.
Wayne Arguin from the U.S. Coast Guard stated that workers should feel free to contact the Coast Guard with safety concerns, as teamwork is essential for safety in the maritime industry.
Maersk also agreed to follow all relevant regulations and to compensate the former employee for lost wages and damages. However, they did not admit to violating the law in the settlement.
Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, called this outcome a victory for maritime workers. He stressed that those who work at sea should never be afraid to report safety issues.
