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Occupational injuries among fishermen
O C Jensen1, S Christensen, S Larsen
1Institute of Maritime Medicine, University Centre of South Jutland, Esbjerg.
Bulletin of the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Fishermen experience frequent injuries, particularly in upper extremities, often from handling fishing gear or slips. Improved onboard medical care and safety training are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Maritime Safety
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- Fishing is a high-risk occupation with significant injury rates.
- Understanding injury patterns is key to developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the types, causes, and circumstances of injuries sustained by fishermen.
- To identify specific hazards and evaluate the adequacy of current medical treatment protocols.
- To propose evidence-based prevention measures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 187 medically treated injuries among fishermen.
- Data collection on injury circumstances, affected body parts, and treatment delays.
- Identification of high-risk activities and vessel types.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of injuries occurred during shooting or hauling fishing gear.
- Upper extremities were the most commonly injured (48.7%).
- Falls/slips (30%) and working with winches/ropes (22%) were significant causes; 75% of accidents occurred on trawlers.
- 35% of injuries experienced >24-hour delay in medical treatment ashore.
Conclusions:
- Trawl doors pose a specific hazard on trawlers.
- Delayed medical treatment highlights the need for enhanced onboard medical facilities.
- Prevention requires technical improvements, safety training, and enhanced worker motivation, incorporating fishermen's insights.