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Safety and Health Programs in Alaska's Seafood Processing Industry: Interviews with Safety and Health Managers
L N Syron1, V E Bovbjerg2, C A Mendez-Luck2
1Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane, WA, USA.
Journal of Agromedicine
|July 12, 2019
Summary
Improving safety in Alaska's seafood processing industry requires enhanced manager and worker training, better safety culture, and ergonomic improvements. Sharing best practices is crucial for preventing injuries and illnesses in this hazardous sector.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Safety
- Seafood Processing Industry
Background:
- Alaska's seafood processing industry is economically vital but poses significant risks to workers.
- Limited research exists on the specific safety and health challenges faced by this workforce.
- Effective safety and health program management is essential for preventing workplace incidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore upper-level managers' perspectives on safety and health programs in the Alaskan seafood processing industry.
- To identify key factors influencing the effectiveness of these programs.
- To gather insights for improving worker safety and health across the industry.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 upper-level managers from 13 companies.
- Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis and inductive coding.
- The analysis focused on managers' views regarding roles, hazard controls, training, regulations, and program outcomes.
Main Results:
- Participants managed safety programs for an estimated 68% of the Alaskan seafood processing workforce.
- Five key areas for industry-wide improvement were identified: manager training, worker training, safety culture, ergonomics, and work hours.
- Engaging workers actively in safety programs was reported as beneficial.
Conclusions:
- The seafood processing industry should increase the sharing of best practices for worker safety and health.
- Occupational safety and health professionals should support targeted training for non/limited-English-speaking workers, ergonomic interventions, and fatigue risk management.
- Future research should involve both managers and workers to fully understand their safety and health needs and experiences.
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