Legal Definitions - Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides workers' compensation benefits to individuals who work in maritime occupations, such as stevedoring and ship service. This law applies to workers who are not considered seamen.

For example, employees who are injured while working on the Outer Continental Shelf during mineral exploration and production activities may be covered by the LHWCA. Additionally, employees who are injured while working within American territorial waters and meet the definition of a "maritime worker" may also be covered.

The LHWCA is similar to other workers' compensation laws in that it provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job. However, it specifically applies to those who work in maritime occupations and are not considered seamen.