Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Work Safety for Contractors in Norwegian Fish Farming
Salmon fish farming has become a major industry in Norway, increasingly dependent on contracted maritime transport and different special services. The aim of the paper was to explore work safety for contractors in Norwegian fish farming. Previous research from other industries illustrates contractors are more susceptible to time and work pressure, have more hazardous jobs, and are more accident-prone, compared to fixed employees. This study investigated whether there are special safety challenges for contractors in Norwegian salmon farming.
Occupational Health and Safety Concerns for Hookah Divers in Small-Scale Fisheries in the Gulf of California, Mexico
This study aimed to evaluate the working and health conditions faced by divers in small-scale fisheries in the Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Assessment of Occupational Hazards and Role of Life-Saving Gadgets Among Small-Scale Motorised Fishers on India's Southernmost Coasts
Marine fishing ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally, with risks intensifying for small-sized vessels venturing deeper into the sea due to the scarcity of near-shore fish and high market demand. This study identifies various occupational hazards and the use of safety equipment among small-scale motorized fishers using traditional fishing methods in the southernmost coastal regions of India.
Exposure to Oil Spill Among Fishers on the Brazilian Coast in 2019/2020
In 2019/2020, the Brazilian coast was affected by the largest oil spill disaster affecting the extent of the coastline recorded in tropical oceans. The impact on fishing areas and the prohibition of seafood sales and consumption exacerbated small-scale fishers' vulnerability. The small-scale fishers (SSFs) were the most active in protecting fishing territories, carrying out cleanup efforts without adequate personal protective equipment. Following the disaster, they suffered significant economic losses, compromising food security, including consuming potentially unsafe seafood. About 5000 tons of oil residues were collected, mainly by artisanal fishers. This study aimed to describe and identify levels of exposure to oil spills in the artisanal fishers, the population affected by the disaster on the Brazilian coast.
Investigation of Observational Techniques Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Farmers - A Systematic Review
Farming tasks often involve repetitive movements, heavy lifting, awkward postures, and prolonged periods of standing or bending, all of which can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal issues (MSDs) such as back pain, joint pain, and muscle strains. The consequences include decreased work time, disability, and increased financial costs. Various ergonomic risk evaluation techniques have been created for industrial fields, but there is a shortage of specific techniques for farming occupations. This study aims to offer an overview of the observational techniques of evaluate work-related ergonomic risk factors among farmers.
Fisher-Centric Methodology: Psychosocial Risks in Fishing Sector of Aotearoa NZ
Our paper focuses on the psychosocial risks faced by fishers in Aotearoa New Zealand, a sector with limited existing research on this topic. Using a culture-centered approach (CCA), we aimed to develop "voice infrastructure" to capture and present the voices of fishers, addressing the structural inequalities that can often leave fishers (like other marginalized groups) unheard. This paper focuses on the methodology of our pilot project that used a collaborative effort between academics, fishers, government, and non-government agencies, with the goal of understanding and mitigating the psychosocial risks within the commercial fishing industry.
Adding Insult to Injury: The Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on Fishermen's Sleep Patterns
Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, and although injuries have been a prominent focus for research, some health and safety risk factors such as sleep are understudied. In this paper, data from a multi-modal research study of sleep patterns, lifestyle factors, occupational exposures, medical histories, and health assessments in four U.S. fisheries are used to explore the connections between pain and sleep.
Human Health Surveillance During Animal Disease Emergencies: Minnesota Department of Health Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks, 2015 and 2022-2023
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses an occupational risk for poultry workers, responders, and others in contact with infected birds. The objective of this analysis was to describe HPAI surveillance methods and outcomes, and highlight the challenges, successes, and lessons learned during the Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH's) public health response to HPAI outbreaks in Minnesota poultry flocks in the years 2015 and 2022-2023.
Occupational Injuries and Fatalities in Norwegian Fish Farming
People working in the Norwegian fish farming industry work in a high energy environment, where there are many hazards in the daily work. An important part of mitigating hazardous situations is to keep track of the characteristics of the accidents that have already happened and to learn from these, when planning future work. The objective of this study was to strengthen the knowledge of factors and conditions influencing personnel safety in Norwegian fish farming, based on analyses of registered occupational fatalities and injuries.
Farm Progress Show Attendees' Use, Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Off-Road Vehicles on Public Roads
Most deaths due to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) occur on public roads, despite manufacturers' warnings that they are not designed for roadway use. Our study objective was to determine rural residents' use, knowledge, and attitudes regarding ATVs/UTVs on public roads. A convenience sample of 2022 Farm Progress Show attendees were surveyed ( = 361). Over 90% and over 75% of ATV/UTV users had driven on unpaved and paved public roads, respectively. Respondents from farms had higher proportions riding more frequently on roadways. A majority of participants stated it was safe to drive on both unpaved and paved public roads. Around 60% and more than 40% agreed with statements that ATVs/UTVs were designed for riding on unpaved and paved public roads, respectively. Only 26% and 31% agreed that most ATV and most UTV deaths occur on public roads. Moreover, just 8-29% disagreed with the incorrect assertion that manufacturers state ATVs/UTVs are safe to ride on public roads. In conclusion, many participants frequently drove ATVs/UTVs and had false beliefs related to the safety of these vehicles on public roadways. Efforts to educate users about the dangers of riding off-road vehicles on public roads and how to decrease associated risks are sorely needed.
Decarbonisation of Fishing Vessels: Policy Challenges and Areas of Concern in View of Accident Investigation and Inspections
The fisheries sector is essential to the economies of developing countries, but it is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Although emissions can be substantially reduced through energy efficiency measures, compliance with the Paris Agreement of 2015 requires further action through national frameworks for the decarbonization of fishing vessels. The objective of this paper is to explain the impact in greenhouse gas emissions from fishing vessels, discuss the possible regulatory indexes that could be made applicable to fishing vessels and how these ships can transition to alternative and low carbon fuels, identifying the main challenges in view of accident analysis and inspections.
Reports on Work-Related Injury and Diseases in Brazilian Aquaculture from Industry Participants
Aquaculture is a significant sector in Brazil, ranking as the second-largest aquaculture producer in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Despite its importance, the industry poses various risks to workers' health and safety. This study investigates the diseases and injuries prevalent in Brazilian aquaculture through a survey of stakeholders. Through an online questionnaire distributed from March 2021 to April 2022, the study collected data on work-related illnesses and injuries in aquaculture. Among the 38 valid responses, the majority of injuries occurred among male workers aged between 21 and 35 years-old. Common injuries included falls, animal-related incidents, cuts, punctures, and electrical shocks. Notably, two fatalities were reported, emphasizing the importance of safety measures in aquaculture operations. The findings underscore the need for preventive measures and worker and farmer awareness initiatives to mitigate risks in aquaculture. Moreover, the study emphasizes the collective responsibility of employers, authorities, government agencies, and workers in ensuring a safe work environment in aquaculture.
The Sixth International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH 6): Safety, Health, and Wellbeing in a Changing World
Fishers and First Responders: Oil Spill Safety Workshop Design and Evaluation
This paper describes the design and evaluation of a workshop created to develop safer disaster response strategies for fishing communities, using the 2019 Northeast Brazil Oil Spill as a starting point for community-engaged education.
Risk Factors for Pediatric Bystander-Related Riding Lawnmower Injuries: A Qualitative Study
Riding lawnmowers are the most frequent cause of major limb amputation in children in the United States. Our study objective was to investigate the circumstances of child bystander-related riding lawnmower injuries and identify behaviors leading to these events. Followers/members of lawnmower injury-related Facebook pages, who were aware of children that had suffered a lawnmower injury, were invited to complete a survey. Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions was performed. Of 140 injured children, 97 (69%) were bystanders. Major themes identified that contributed to the bystander-related injury event included: supervision issues (40%), child not perceiving danger (40%), child allowed to be in vicinity of mower (23%), and mower-related issues (58%), especially mowing in reverse. The contributing risk factors identified for child bystander-related riding lawnmower injuries reinforce many safety directives including close supervision of children by someone other than the operator, and not allowing children outside when mowing is being performed. Many children injured were approaching the mower to get rides. Mower rides likely desensitize children to the inherent dangers and lead them to seek rides when mowers are being used. Mower design preventing blade operation in reverse and not giving children rides may be critical in decreasing bystander-related riding lawnmower injuries.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Helplines for Farmers: A Scoping Review of Usage, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of Those Currently in Operation Around the World
Farmers have higher risk of suicide than the general working population but are less likely to seek help from mainstream mental health services. Farmer-focused sources of support such as farmer helplines may be a viable alternative, and several currently operate internationally. However, it is unclear whether these specialized helplines collectively tend to be used and are acceptable or effective in reducing farmers' distress. This review aimed to fill this important knowledge gap.
Incorporating occupational health and safety into One Health approaches to aquaculture
One Health approaches emphasize intersections between animal health, environmental well-being and human health. Unfortunately, one health approaches rarely explicitly encompass occupational health and safety. This short report provides a concise introduction to the One Health principle, highlighting its potential relevance to improving occupational health and safety in aquaculture. It draws on recent risk assessment research on mass mortality events in marine salmon aquaculture and Norwegian calls for the implementation of holistic risk assessment approaches within aquaculture that encompass attention to occupational, environmental and animal health to illustrate how such one health approaches can help to improve aquaculture OHS. This report draws on reflections contained in a keynote address to IFISH6 in January 2024.
Weather and Marine Aquaculture Workers' Safety in Atlantic Canada
Marine aquaculture workers are at high risk of injury and fatalities. Understanding the role of weather in occupational safety and health (OSH) in marine aquaculture is important for work design, planning, and for safety management and hazard reduction, but there is limited research on this subject.
Using Land-Based Simulation to Perform Crew Overboard Recovery Training and Research