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. 1994 Sep;51(9):612–616. doi: 10.1136/oem.51.9.612

Traumatic work related fatalities in commercial fishermen in Australia.

T R Driscoll 1, G Ansari 1, J E Harrison 1, M S Frommer 1, E A Ruck 1
PMCID: PMC1128055  PMID: 7951793

Abstract

OBJECTIVES--To describe the types and circumstances of traumatic work related fatalities in Australian commercial fishermen. METHODS--Work related traumatic fishing fatalities were studied as part of a larger study of all work related traumatic fatalities in Australia from 1982 to 1984. Data on 47 cases were obtained from inspection of coroners' files. RESULTS--The incidence of fatality of 143/100,000 person-years was 18 times higher than the incidence of fatality for the entire workforce, and considerably higher than that of the mining and agricultural workforces. 68% of decedents drowned and 13% died from physical trauma. Rough weather, non-seaworthy vessels, inadequate use of personal flotation devices, and inexperience were associated with many of the fatal incidents. DISCUSSION--Improved vessel and equipment maintenance, better training of workers, greater use of personal flotation devices, and development of improved clothing and personal flotation devices are recommended.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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