Health and safety guidelines for the fishing industry
Fishermen are 40 times more likely to be killed while at work compared to the general working population, making fishing the most hazardous sector in which to work, according to the Health and Safety Authority.
From 2002 to 2013, twenty-seven incidents, mostly potting, have ended in forty-seven fatalities, averaging four-five fatalities per annum; a further fatality was recorded in 2014.
Left to right: PJ Claffey, HSA; Sheena Notley, HSA; Martin O’Halloran HSA CEO; Minister for Business and Employment, Gerald Nash TD; Anthony Morahan, HSA; Ray Murray, BIM and Pat Griffin, HSA
Recognising this high level of fatalities, the HSA along with BIM has produced a guidance document, Managing Health and Safety in Fishing, aimed at skippers and crew of small fishing boats. Approximately 90% of all registered Irish fishing vessels are less than 15 metres in length.
The aim of the booklet is to raise awareness of health and safety issues and to contribute to reducing the number of serious and fatal accidents.
Minister for Business and Employment, Gerald Nash has welcomed this “timely” guide for one of the most dangerous occupations.
“Fishermen work in a natural but unpredictable work environment and have difficult work conditions. Being at sea means that in many cases, the consequence of an accident is more severe than if it occurred on shore.”
HSA chief executive Martin O’Halloran added that the booklet highlighted the various roles of government departments and agencies in fishing safety; the main causes of accidents and injuries and the common hazards associated with fishing, and with specific fishing operations.
“Although the booklet is principally aimed at fishermen who operate small fishing boats, parts of it will be of interest and relevance to fishermen who work on or operate larger fishing vessels.”
According to Ray Murray, BIM, the booklet is written in an easy-to-understand format . “There are lots of useful tips on how to prevent accidents with much of the advice focusing on taking measures before going to sea.”
“Fishermen operate in a highly dangerous environment and it’s vital that the appropriate precautions are taken. We encourage all fishermen to complete the mandatory safety training courses available at BIM’s National Fisheries Colleges and at key fishing ports around our coast.”
The bookle advises on controlling risks and managing health and safety, and the importance of having effective emergency plans and providing adequate instruction, information, training and supervision to employees, especially vulnerable workers.
For download, go to www.hsa.ie. Printed copies will be distributed widely in 2015.
