Longshore Worker

The United States term for a dock worker who loads and discharges ships, covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 901), the federal workers’ compensation scheme for maritime employment on navigable waters and adjoining piers and terminals. West Coast longshore workers belong to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU); East and Gulf coast workers to the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The job spans container crane signaling, lashing, hold work, and ro-ro operations, governed by OSHA’s marine-terminal standards at 29 CFR 1917.