Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The fatality rate in this industry is 39 times higher than the national average. Man overboard fatalities are the second leading cause of death among workers in professional fishing nationwide. Between 2000 and 2014, 210 fishermen died after falling overboard from their vessel. None were wearing PFDs (personal flotation device) when they drowned. During the same period, vessel disasters were the leading cause of death, accounting for 50% fatalities in commercial fishing. On-deck injuries caused 12% of all fatal injuries and the largest number of non-fatal hospitalized injuries. Between 2000 and 2014, falls overboard, vessel disasters, and on-deck injuries account for 92% of fatalities in the commercial fishing industry in the United States. The remaining 8% of fatal injuries in that time period can be divided into two categories – 5% were diving injuries and 3% were on-shore injuries.
Man Overboard Survival Tips
Man overboard incidents can be survived, but it is important for the victim and rescuers to take a number of actions, such as:
- PFD – All commercial fishermen should wear a PFD on deck at all times. As mentioned, in fatal accidents, none of the fishermen wore a PFD when they drowned.
- Notification or Signal – When a man overboard incident occurs, it is important to alert the crew, skipper, or nearby vessel immediately. This will ensure that helps comes quickly and increase the likelihood of survival.
- Communication – It is also important for rescuers to maintain visual contact with the victim. There should be communication so that the victim knows what to do when help comes.
- Guardrails and Safety Lines – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that the crew should use guardrails and safety liens where it is possible. This is an effective safety measure that can prevent many fatal accidents on deck.
- Nonskid Materials and Clear Deck – Wet, pitching decks lead to a large number of slips, trips, and falls. The crew should always use nonskid materials and keep the deck clear to prevent slips and trips.
- Proper Safety Equipment – The crew should always know the location of safety equipment on the vessel. It is also important to make sure that all safety equipment is in proper working order. This means that they should be inspected regularly.
- Safety and Survival Training – Owners and captains of commercial shipping vessels should make sure that all crewmembers are provided with proper training in safety and survival techniques. They should also be trained on how to use safety equipment properly. Safety-related and man overboard drills should be conducted regularly as well.
If a commercial fisherman is injured in an accident caused by negligence on the captain or owner’s part, they may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation. If they are denied compensation, they can file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party to receive fair compensation for damages. Although there are many benefits to filing a worker’s compensation instead of a lawsuit, there are circumstances when workers need to sue their employer.
A Law Firm that Cares
If you or loved one has been injured at work, you should contact the reliable personal injury lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. Give us a call. We want to hear what you have to say. We have won big money for past clients, you too can be on this stellar list.
