The Longshore Harbor Workers Compensation Act of 1927

Not everyone that works in the maritime industry works onboard a vessel for extended periods of time. Many maritime works simply load and/or unload a vessel, come aboard to assist in repairs, or for transport purposes. Because not all maritime workers are employed onboard ships, and the specific Jones Act requirements generally exclude dock-workers, the LHWCA was born to protect maritime workers, such as longshoreman, stevedores, harbor workers, ship-repairers, and ship builders. As with seaman, a harbor worker is not entitled to federal or state workers compensation schemes, however the LHWCA requires that maritime employers purchase a workers compensation/self-insurance scheme to provide for medical/disability benefits to their covered employees who fall sick or injured while in its employ.