Work-Related Traumatic Injuries Onboard Freezer-Trawlers and Freezer-Longliners Operating in Alaskan Waters during 2001-2012

INTRODUCTION:  Commercial fishing is generally believed to be the most dangerous occupation worldwide. Workers onboard freezer-trawl (FT) and freezer-longline (FL) vessels in Alaska may be at high risk for fatal and non-fatal injuries.

METHODS:  Traumatic occupational injuries onboard vessels in the FT and FL fleets operating in Alaska during 2001-2012 were identified through two government data sources. We estimated the risk of injuries, characterized the etiology of injuries, and suggested injury prevention priorities.

RESULTS:  During 2001-2012, there were 712 work-related injuries reported on 24 FT and 42 FL vessels. The annual risk of fatal injuries was 125 per 100,000 FTEs in the FT fleet, and 63 per 100,000 FTEs in the FL fleet. The annual risk of non-fatal injuries was 43 per 1,000 FTEs in the FT fleet and 35 per 1,000 FTEs in the FL fleet. The majority of injuries in the FT fleet occurred in the factories and freezer holds, whereas the most common injuries in the FL fleet occurred on deck while working the fishing gear.

CONCLUSIONS:  The findings confirmed that workers in those fleets were at high risk for work-related injuries. Injury prevention efforts should focus on the specific work processes injuring the most workers in each fleet, and concentrate on removing the hazards producing the most common and most severe types of injuries.