Worker satisfaction with personal flotation devices (PFDs) in the fishing industry: evaluations in actual use.
Authors
Lucas-D; Lincoln-J; Somervell-P; Teske-T
Source
Appl Ergon 2012 Jul; 43(4):747-752
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine which type of commercially available PFD resulted in the highest satisfaction among workers in the fishing industry. Fishing industry workers on four types of vessels wore and evaluated six different PFDs during their fishing seasons. Linear regression was used to test the differences in mean satisfaction scores, adjusting for clustered observations on vessels. The data were stratified by vessel type to determine the differences in PFD satisfaction within each vessel type. PFD D had the highest mean satisfaction score, but satisfaction with particular PFDs varied depending on the vessel type. Although the common objections by workers to wearing PFDs are that they are bulky and uncomfortable, some of the PFDs that were evaluated in this study received high scores for comfort and satisfaction. Given the availability of PFDs that are comfortable to wear while working, fishing vessel owners and operators should consider implementing policies mandating the use of PFDs on deck.
Keywords
Fishing-industry; Personal-protective-equipment; Humans; Men; Workers; Worker-health; Accident-prevention; Accidents; Traumatic-injuries; Injuries;
Author Keywords: Commercial Fishing; Personal flotation device; Satisfaction
Contact
Devin Lucas, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Alaska Pacific Regional Office, 4230 University Drive, Suite 310, Anchorage, AK 99508
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
dlucas@cdc.gov
Source Name
Applied Ergonomics
