Citation

Jaremin B, Kotulak E. Occup. Med. 2004; 54(4): 258-260.

Affiliation

Clinic of Internal, Occupational and Tropical Diseases, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Powstania Styczniowego 9B, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland. poczta@immt.gdynia.pl

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15190164

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The fishing industry has a high occupational mortality. AIM: To investigate the cause of mortality amongst Polish small-scale fishermen during a 40 year period. METHOD: The retrospective data from three independent sources on deaths in the Polish small-scale fishing industry were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 177 deaths were identified, with an average annual mortality rate of 89 per 100 000 employees per year. The death rate was significantly higher in boats <13 m in length. In 96% of cases, death was due to external (non-medical) causes, while 60% were related to sea catastrophes, often involving multiple vessels. Alcohol was implicated in 45% of deaths where autopsy was carried out. CONCLUSION: The Polish small-scale fishing industry has a high mortality rate which varies significantly by type of vessel and use of alcohol may be a significant contributory factor.