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Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face all the occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in this dangerous sector, but may not have “in-house” expertise in dealing with these issues. This page highlights key information for addressing the risks faced in the fisheries sector, and introduces the Agency’s fisheries web feature, where further information is available.
A risk assessment is nothing more than a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can judge whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. The aim is to make sure that no one gets hurt or becomes ill.
A risk assessment involves identifying the hazards present and then evaluating the extent of the risks involved, taking into account existing precautions. The results of a risk assessment should help users choose which good practice measures are most appropriate.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at work has produced Facts 38 - Risk assessment for small fishing vessels, available in 11 Community languages. The risk assessment process is broken down into steps to make it easier.
After completing the risk assessment, the preventive measures needed should be listed in order of priority, then take action, involving the workers and their representatives in the process. The steps to reduce the risk to workers should be part of the day-to-day operation of fishing vessels.
Communication is essential
Workers must know what about the risks they face, the preventive measures being taken, and any emergency action plans. This information should be provided in clear, non-technical language that will be easily understood.
Monitoring the situation
Workplaces change and things go wrong. In order to make sure that the workers are still protected, regular monitoring of safety and health standards is required. This includes the investigation of incidents, workers complaints, and health problems.
Falls overboard are the cause of many fatal accidents on small fishing vessels. The shooting or hauling of fishing nets is a particularly high-risk task, with workers drowning or suffering injury after being struck by or entangled by fishing tackle. Falls and being struck by moving objects (such as trawl equipment) are very common fatal and non-fatal accidents.
The risk of accidents to crews of small fishing vessels is high, due in part to the small number of crew and the many tasks carried out - often at the same time. Bad weather conditions and short turn around times can increase accident risks, so times when the risk is too great to go out fishing should be identified. Being at sea means that, in many cases, the consequence of an accident is more severe than if it happened on land. Snagging of nets leading to capsize of a vessel or a worker being dragged into a winch or similar equipment are other causes of fatal accidents.
Fishermen experience many of the health risks that exist in workplaces on land, and in addition face the hazards of the sea. Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. back pain, ‘repetitive strain injuries’) are commonplace, along with exposure to dangerous substances and high noise levels. Exposure to extreme temperatures, wind and glare also cause health problems. Additionally, the irregular working hours on board vessels can lead to psychosocial disorders and other health problems.
The Agency’s fisheries web feature contains much more information on the dangers in the fisheries sector. In addition, the Agency offers more information on specific topics for enterprises through the good practice pages, and has a wide range of factsheets to assist small businesses all of which can be downloaded free of charge in the Community languages.
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