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Request for assistance in preventing drownings of commercial fishermen.

NIOSH

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-107, 1994 Apr; :1-11

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/94-107/

00220131

The prevention of drowning of commercial fishermen was discussed, especially commercial fishing in Alaska. The need for commercial fishermen to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) while engaged in their occupational tasks was emphasized. Statistics indicated that 63% of those fishermen wearing PFDs at the time they fell overboard or jumped into the water survived their ordeal, whereas only 12% of those not wearing such PFDs survived. In 1991 through 1993 the fatality rate for commercial fishermen in Alaska was 195 deaths per 100,000 workers. Of those who died during this period of time, 91% drowned or were presumed to have drowned. Five case reports were examined briefly. In each case, a professional commercial fishermen died due to drowning after falling overboard. Several recommendations were made to improve the safety for these workers including the use of safety lines, installation or extension of guard rails, keeping decks clean and clear, and using liberal amounts of nonskid material on deck. Manufacturers were encouraged to promote the development and use of PFDs that are comfortable to use and easy to work in.

NIOSH-Author; Accident-analysis; Accident-prevention; Risk-factors; Mortality-data; Fishing-industry; Life-jackets; Safety-equipment

19940401

Numbered Publication; Alert

1994

PB94-194255

A03

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-107

DSDTT

NAICS-1141

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH; AK