Diver may have lost his livelihood after allegedly being forced to work as a deckhand

Michael Thumm’s career as a marine diver may have ended after suffering serious hand and wrist injuries on the job.

Ironically, the injuries did not occur in a diving accident but from allegedly being forced to use a needle gun for several 12 hour days aboard the D/S/V (diving support vessel) Joanne Morrison.

A needle gun is a pneumatic tool with long rods, or “needles,” that excessively vibrate to knock out rust on steel. It is a tool normally used in deck maintenance duties.

Thumm filed a suit for negligence against former employer Chet Morrison Contractors. He claims that on Oct. 12, 2010, he reported injuries to his hands and wrists but was ordered to work another shift performing painting and other duties that exacerbated the injuries and caused permanent physical impairment.

Without the full use of his hands and wrists his career as a diver is in doubt.

Offshore employers frequently use crew in duties normally not associated with their level of skill or related to their official position on the vessel.

Thumm filed the case on May 23, 2011 in New Orleans federal court.

Source: Louisiana Record