Texas Ports Association Honors Senator Hutchison for Contribution to Maritime Safety
The Texas Ports Association has honored Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison as its “Person of the Year” for her contribution to maritime safety at Texas ports. Annually, the honor is awarded to individuals who support and work for the advancement of Texas ports, including making them safer and more efficient.
The state's ports are some of the busiest in the country with an estimated 20% of its deep sea traffic. Senator Hutchison, the only female senator to represent Texas in the Senate, has been a long time supporter of our ports. Some of her goals have been to boost the competency and efficiency of the ports, and increase the number of security personnel. According to Jim Edmonds, chairman of Port of Houston Authority, Senator Hutchison has always been involved in efforts to bolster safety and security at the ports and strengthen their functioning, so they can contribute to the economic success of the state and the country. Senator Hutchison has a position in the Senate Appropriations Committee and is also a Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Science and Transportation Committee. Through her association with these committees, Senator Hutchison has been heavily involved in the improvement of the maritime industry. She was instrumental in passing the SAFE Port Act in 2006, which established a set of standards for containers arriving in the U.S. and allows inspection of containers at random. She is also a strong supporter of increased funding for Texas ports through the Port Security Grant Program which has channeled more than $2 million to the state's ports over the last 6 years.
Maritime Accidents
Longshore workers, who may work for a port, often toil in dangerous jobs like loading and unloading cargo or crane and derrick operations. These jobs are often far more dangerous than they need to be. Simply following safety guidelines can reduce a longshore worker's risk of falling, being hit by falling objects, being run over by cranes and other maritime accidents.
Longshore workers injured while performing non-marine activities like loading and unloading or repairing vessels and rigs may be eligible for compensation under maritime laws. An experienced Texas maritime lawyer can help you recover compensation from the parties responsible.
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, contact a maritime lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.
