Professional fishermen work in one of the most dangerous industries. They are at a higher risk of death and severe injury than many other blue-collar professionals.
If they get hurt or die while on a fishing vessel, the process for seeking compensation is also more complex than it is for land-based professionals. Being aware of and addressing top hazards can help professional fishermen limit the risk of career-ending or deadly injuries on a vessel.
What hazards are among the top risk factors?
1. Heavy equipment
The machinery and tools on a vessel can cause a variety of injuries. Crush injuries, fractures and brain injuries are all possible after struck-by or caught-between incidents involving heavy machinery.
2. Fishing nets
Fishing nets pose several hazards for professional fishermen. They are incredibly heavy, making them a potential source of repetitive strain injuries if workers must wrestle with them daily. They are also a tangling hazard. Workers can trip and fall if they get tangled in a net. In the worst-case scenario, a tangled worker could end up in the water.
3. Overexertion and fatigue
Heavy lifting and rapid movements on a fishing vessel can lead to injuries for the fishermen aboard. All it takes is the wrong motion when lifting and twisting to cause severe back injuries that can limit a worker’s functional capabilities. The risk of mistakes on the job may increase if workers put in exceptionally long shifts. Fatigue can affect coordination and decision-making, putting professional fishermen at increased risk of injurious incidents.
Injured fishermen often face a loss of income compounded by sudden medical bills after an incident on a fishing vessel. Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a recent injury with a skilled legal team can help fishermen understand their rights and follow the appropriate procedures to pursue maintenance and cure after sustaining employment-related injuries.
