Dangers of Commercial Fishing in the Arctic, Alaska 2000-2012
Commercial fishing is the most hazardous occupation in the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently completed a study to identify the most hazardous fisheries in Alaska and the in the rest of the U.S. to describe the unique safety issues in each region. The cold water and remote fishing grounds found in Alaska make it a dangerous place to work. However, significant improvements in safety have been made due to focused prevention efforts on high risk groups of fishing vessels.
METHODS: The NIOSH Commercial Fishing Incident Database was used to identify all work-related fatalities that occurred in Alaska during 2000-2012. Data are available on person, vessel and environmental conditions at the time of the event.
RESULTS: During 2000-2012, 158 fishermen died in Alaska. Half (79) of the deaths were caused by drowning (71) or other events (e.g. asphyxiation, hypothermia, and smoke inhalation) following vessel disasters (e.g. sinking, capsizing, fire). Another 31% (49) of fatalities were the result of falls overboard. Only 1 of the 49 victims who died from falls overboard was wearing a personal flotation device. In addition there were 30 fatalities resulting from other causes (e.g. asphyxiation, fall from height, poisoning, and struck by gear). Fatalities occurred most frequently while fishing for salmon (47, 30%) after the victim fell overboard or after a skiff capsizing.
CONCLUSIONS:
Tailored prevention programs for specific high risk fisheries in Alaska have resulted in safety improvements. In addition, NIOSH has developed interventions focusing on creating incentives for fishermen to wear personal flotation devices since there is no regulation for them to do so. Safety training is also available and very affordable in Alaska. Progress has been made, but there remains a need for continued safety interventions to combat the unique work hazards found in Alaska.