Health and Safety in the Fishing Industry: OHSE Considerations

The fishing industry is one of the most hazardous industries worldwide, with workers exposed to various risks on a daily basis. These risks can range from dangerous working conditions on the open water to handling heavy equipment and exposure to extreme weather.

Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE) measures are essential to safeguarding the health and safety of workers in the fishing industry.

Overview of Hazards in the Fishing Industry

Fishing is physically demanding and often takes place in remote and unpredictable environments. Here are some of the common hazards that workers face in this industry:

1. Extreme Weather and Sea Conditions: Fishing boats are often out in rough seas, facing high winds, large waves, and sudden weather changes. These conditions increase the risk of capsizing, falling overboard, and other accidents.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls: The constant movement of the boat combined with wet, slippery surfaces creates a high risk of falls. Many of these incidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities if a worker falls overboard.
3. Heavy Machinery and Equipment: Workers handle complex machinery and equipment such as nets, winches, and cranes. Mishandling this equipment can result in severe injuries like entanglement, crushing, or amputations.
4. Manual Handling and Ergonomics: Lifting heavy loads, repetitive movements, and awkward postures are common in the fishing industry, leading to musculoskeletal disorders and other physical strain injuries over time.
5. Fatigue: Long hours, insufficient rest, and demanding physical labor can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Fatigue can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
6. Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Fishermen can come into contact with hazardous substances such as fuel, chemicals used for cleaning and maintaining the vessel, or biological hazards from handling fish and other marine life.
7. Fire and Explosion Risks: Boats often have flammable materials such as fuel and oxygen tanks. A fire on a fishing vessel can be catastrophic due to the isolated location and limited firefighting resources.
8. Drowning: Falling overboard is one of the leading causes of fatalities in the fishing industry. Poor weather conditions, lack of proper safety gear, and the inability to reach the person in time contribute to this risk.

OHSE Measures in the Fishing Industry

Addressing these risks requires the implementation of comprehensive OHSE policies and safety practices. Below are key safety measures that can be implemented to improve health and safety in the fishing industry:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) are essential to prevent drowning in the event of falling overboard.
   • Non-slip boots, helmets, gloves, and waterproof clothing protect workers from the elements, slippery surfaces, and physical hazards.
   • Hearing protection should be used around noisy equipment to prevent hearing loss.
2. Training and Education: Workers should receive thorough training in safe work practices, including how to handle heavy equipment, emergency procedures, and how to prevent falls. Regular drills should be conducted to prepare workers for emergencies such as man overboard or fires.
3. Safe Use of Equipment: Proper maintenance and safe operation of machinery and equipment are crucial. Workers must be trained on how to operate and maintain fishing gear, winches, and other machinery safely. All equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained.
4. Fatigue Management: Scheduling regular breaks and ensuring proper rest periods is essential to combat fatigue. Workers should be encouraged to take breaks and get adequate sleep, particularly during long fishing trips.
5. Weather Monitoring and Planning: Before setting out, crews should check weather reports and sea conditions. Plans should be in place to return to shore if conditions become too dangerous.
6. Ergonomic Practices: Employers should promote proper lifting techniques and provide equipment like lifting aids to reduce physical strain. Reducing repetitive tasks and ensuring workers can change positions frequently helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
7. Safety Procedures for Working Overboard:
   • Workers should be trained in man-overboard procedures, and safety nets or rescue equipment should be available onboard.
   • Lifelines and harnesses can prevent workers from falling overboard, especially in rough conditions.
8. Emergency Preparedness and Communication:
   • All fishing vessels should be equipped with emergency communication devices, such as radios or satellite phones, to call for help in case of an emergency.
   • First aid kits and firefighting equipment should be easily accessible on board.
   • Emergency response plans must be in place for accidents, fires, and man-overboard situations.
9. Fire Safety Measures: Fire prevention measures should include regular inspection of electrical systems, proper storage of flammable substances, and training workers on how to use fire extinguishers and handle fires at sea.
10. Drowning Prevention:
    • Crews should be equipped with PFDs and be trained in water survival techniques.
    • Workers should avoid working alone and should always have a buddy system in place to help monitor each other’s safety.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

In Canada, health and safety regulations in the fishing industry are governed by federal and provincial laws, including:

• The Canada Labour Code (Part II): This governs occupational health and safety for federally regulated industries, including fishing. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all safety measures are in place and that workers are trained.
• The Canada Shipping Act: This legislation regulates the safety of commercial vessels, including fishing boats. It outlines requirements for vessel maintenance, safety equipment, and operator certifications.
• Provincial Regulations: Each province may have additional health and safety requirements for fishing. For instance, WorksafeBC in British Columbia provides specific guidelines for the fishing industry.

Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties, legal action, and increased risk to workers’ lives.

Promoting a Safety Culture in the Fishing Industry

A strong safety culture is essential for reducing risks in the fishing industry. Employers and crew members must prioritize safety at all times. Here are some key practices for promoting a safety-first environment:

1. Safety Leadership: The captain or employer must lead by example, following all safety protocols and ensuring crew members understand the importance of health and safety.
2. Regular Safety Meetings: Conduct safety meetings to review procedures, address hazards, and discuss recent incidents or near misses. These meetings help reinforce the importance of safety and allow crew members to raise concerns.
3. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your safety programs and update them as needed. Incorporate feedback from workers and ensure compliance with any new regulatory requirements or best practices.
4. Engagement of Workers: Involving workers in the development and implementation of safety programs increases their ownership and commitment to health and safety practices. Encourage workers to speak up about hazards or unsafe conditions.

Conclusion

The fishing industry presents significant health and safety risks, but with proper OHSE measures, many of these hazards can be mitigated. By implementing personal protective equipment, thorough training, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance, the risk to workers’ safety can be minimized.

A strong safety culture, supported by leadership and active worker engagement, is key to ensuring that fishing crews can perform their jobs safely and effectively.