Salmon farming: occupational health in a new rural industry

The medical hazards of salmon farming can be grouped into those related to marine safety, fish husbandry, fish-farm diving and disease treatments. The hostile water environment requires thermal protection and personal buoyancy aids as workers frequently fall in the water from boats or cages. Feedstuffs may generate respirable dust and attract rats, creating a risk of leptospirosis. Musculo-skeletal injuries are common from lifting nets. Fish-farm diving has particular risks which can be minimized. Organophosphorous pesticides are used to treat sea lice and employees require health surveillance. Fish immunization is required to reduce the incidence of Aeromonas salmonitica. Needlestick injuries when using oil-based vaccines are a serious hazard to employees. The occupational health problems of salmon farming are predictable and preventable with primary safety measures. This new industry is safer than land-based agriculture on current evidence.