LONG-SHOREMAN Meaning and
Definition
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A longshoreman is an individual who works in the maritime industry, specifically in the handling and loading/unloading of cargo from ships at ports and harbors. Also referred to as a dockworker or stevedore, a longshoreman's primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and efficient transport of goods between ships, docks, and storage areas.
Longshoremen are commonly employed by shipping companies, terminal operators, and port authorities. Their role includes operating various heavy equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and truck loaders to move cargo from ship to shore or vice versa. They are skilled in calculating and distributing weight loads evenly on ships in order not to jeopardize their stability during transportation.
Additionally, longshoremen are often required to secure cargo using ropes, chains, or other securing methods to prevent shifting or damage while in transit. They may cooperate with other workers to inspect, measure, and record cargo details, ensuring accurate inventory management.
This profession demands physical strength, endurance, and adaptability to work in various weather conditions and sometimes within tight schedules. Longshoremen are also knowledgeable about safety protocols and adhere to occupational health and safety regulations to prevent accidents or injuries during their work.
Overall, longshoremen play a vital role in the global trade and transportation industry, ensuring the timely and secure movement of goods from ships to shore and thereby facilitating international commerce.
Common Misspellings for LONG-SHOREMAN
Etymology of LONG-SHOREMAN
The word "longshoreman" has its roots in the combination of two terms - "longshore" and "man".
The term "longshore" comes from Middle English and Old English, where "long" referred to length and "shore" described the coast or the side of a body of water. In this context, "longshore" pertained to the area alongside the coast or sea, indicating labor or work done near the shore or water.
The word "man" is derived from Old English and has the same meaning as it does today - an adult human male.
Therefore, "longshoreman" refers to a man who works on the longshore, which is a person engaged in labor or handling cargo along the coast or dockside, typically involved in loading and unloading ships or moving goods between a ship and the land.
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