The maritime industry includes the construction, repair, and scrapping of vessels, as well as the movement of cargo and other materials. Hazards include slips, trips, and falls, machinery and equipment hazards, hazardous chemicals, confined and enclosed spaces, and fire hazards.

The maritime working environment includes unique physical, ergonomic, chemical, biological, psychological and social elements which could lead to occupational accidents, injuries and diseases.

Seafarers face demanding working conditions, isolation, long hours of work, rigid organizational structures and high levels of stress and fatigue.