Working on a commercial fishing boat is an inherently risky profession. You spend a lot of time out on open waters. Those same waters can often be unpredictable and you’re left at the mercy of the weather and the waves. The pressures of the job also mean working long hours and under dangerous and unsafe conditions.
The stress and challenges of this career can result in commercial fishermen finding themselves injured in accidents. These are some of the kinds of injuries that may occur while working at sea.
Repetitive strain injury
Fishing is repetitive and hard labor. It involves a lot of pushing, pulling and heavy lifting while completing the same tasks over and over again. This can quickly result in long-lasting shoulder, back and neck injuries and may be a result of insufficient health and safety training as to how to carry out the job safely.
Hypothermia
While not necessarily an injury, fishermen face hypothermia as a result of the cold and wet conditions they face all day, every day. Not having the right clothing and shoes to protect from adverse weather can also result in other cold-related injuries such as frostbite and trench foot.
Electrocution
Fishing boats are covered in metal and out in the middle of the sea they are susceptible to the perils of lightning strikes due to their high masts. If the commercial fishermen working on the boat have not been properly trained in what to do in these circumstances, this can cause serious injury or even death.
Sustaining injuries while working as a fisherman on a commercial vessel can have devastating consequences. It may leave you unable to work. In these circumstances, you have rights and are entitled to seek damages for your injuries.