The recent publication of the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s (MAIB) annual report shows that there was reduction in fishermen fatalities in 2013, indicative of the wide reaching work of the industry to reduce accident rates.
According, to the MAIB report, there were four fatalities in 2013 – a historical low. But even though the statistics for injury also show a decline (down to an all-time low of 33) 42% of these injuries involved the upper limbs and there were nine cases of traumatic amputation.
Derek Cardno, safety officer for the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) welcomed the new report but said that the ultimate aim is for the elimination of all fatalities and an even greater reduction in accidents at sea.
He said: “We welcome the reduction in fatalities, although one death is still one too many. The reduction does, however, reflect the industry’s serious efforts to make fishing a safer profession and shows that our various initiatives are working.”
“One of the most important elements is for every skipper to ensure there is proper risk assessment for his vessel, and we have been helping the industry to achieve this through our onboard support scheme.”
He pointed out that the continuing improvement in accident figures is down to the work of the Fishing Industry Safety Group, of which the SFF is an active member driving forward fishing safety.
Read the full report on the MAIB website
