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Reducing commercial fishing deck hazards with engineering solutions for winch design
Jennifer M Lincoln1, Devin L Lucas, Robert W McKibbin
1NIOSH Alaska Field Station, Anchorage Alaska, USA. jlncoln@cdc.gov
Journal of Safety Research
|May 6, 2008
Summary
A new emergency-stop system was developed to prevent deck machinery entanglement injuries for commercial fishermen. This engineering control effectively mitigates hazards posed by capstan winches, reducing debilitating injuries and fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Maritime Safety
Background:
- Deck machinery accounts for the majority of hospitalized injuries among Alaska commercial fishermen.
- Capstan deck winches present a significant entanglement hazard due to lack of protective features and remote controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Prevention Through Design process for mitigating capstan winch entanglement hazards.
- To develop and evaluate an engineering control for hazardous deck machinery.
Main Methods:
- Observing capstan winch hazards and control limitations.
- Collaborating with fishermen and manufacturers to design safety solutions.
- Developing an emergency-stop system with a safety-relay and electro-hydraulic valve.
Main Results:
- An effective emergency-stop system was developed and implemented.
- Vessel owners reported enthusiastic recommendations for the installed e-stop system.
- A proprietary technology licensing agreement was established for commercial development.
Conclusions:
- The developed emergency-stop system is a practical engineering control for preventing entanglement injuries.
- This solution has the potential to significantly reduce debilitating injuries and fatalities in the fishing industry.
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