Citation

Driscoll TR, Ansari G, Harrison JE, Frommer MS, Ruck EA. Occup. Environ. Med. 1994; 51(9): 612-616.

Affiliation

National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, Worksafe Australia, Sydney, NSW.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7951793

PMCID

PMC1128055

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the types and circumstances of traumatic work related fatalities in Australian commercial fishermen. METHODS: Work related traumatic fishing fatalities were studied as part of a larger study of all work related traumatic fatalities in Australia from 1982 to 1984. Data on 47 cases were obtained from inspection of coroners' files. RESULTS: The incidence of fatality of 143/100,000 person-years was 18 times higher than the incidence of fatality for the entire workforce, and considerably higher than that of the mining and agricultural workforces. 68% of decedents drowned and 13% died from physical trauma. Rough weather, non-seaworthy vessels, inadequate use of personal flotation devices, and inexperience were associated with many of the fatal incidents. DISCUSSION: Improved vessel and equipment maintenance, better training of workers, greater use of personal flotation devices, and development of improved clothing and personal flotation devices are recommended.

Language: en