Occupational safety and health challenges for maritime key workers in the global COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world of work. But global trade is still recognized as an essential area of business, and maritime transport, being an engine of globalization, cannot be paused. Since the onset of the pandemic, few governments have allowed seafarers – who transport more than 90 per cent of global commodities – to leave their ships and return home. The travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have led to a crisis of occupational safety and health (OSH) at sea. Drawing on 29 interviews, this article explores the OSH challenges faced by international seafarers during the pandemic.