Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Accidents, injuries, and fatalities are unfortunately common in commercial fishermen. If you were hurt on the job, contact a maritime lawyer to find out how to recover damages.
How Dangerous Is Commercial Fishing?
Commercial fishing is a dangerous job in an already dangerous maritime industry. Fishermen face many hazards on the job that can lead to injuries and, in the worst cases, death. They do difficult work for long hours, often under bad weather and water conditions.
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According to the Commercial Fishing Incident Database, 878 commercial fishermen died from injuries in the U.S. between 2000 to 2019. The highest number of fatalities occurred on the East Coast and Alaska.
About half of the fatalities in commercial fishing occurred after a major vessel disaster. About 30% of the deaths resulted from overboard falls. Another 14% occurred after the victims incurred onboard injuries.
Thousands of additional commercial fishermen suffer non-fatal injuries. According to studies, deckhands are most often injured. Some types of fishing are more dangerous than others, including crabbing and seiner fishing.
What Dangers Do Commercial Fishermen Face?
Commercial fishing results in so many injuries and fatalities because of the multiple hazards associated with the job:
- Weather and Water Conditions. Many workers in the industry face rough waters and bad weather, including storms, lightning, and temperature extremes. These factors can cause direct harm, cause a worker to be struck by moving equipment, or lead to a fall overboard. Some types of fishing necessarily take place in areas of rough water or in winter.
- Long Hours. Commercial fishermen often work long hours and go out on boats for weeks at a time. Fatigue can easily lead to mistakes and accidents.
- Slip and Trip Hazards. Fishing vessel decks are often crowded with equipment and are frequently wet. These conditions make it easy to fall and get hurt or fall overboard.
- Equipment Accidents. Fishermen use a lot of equipment that can cause injuries. Injuries may result from workers misusing equipment or equipment malfunctions. Depending on the type of equipment, a worker may get caught or tangled in it or knocked down or overboard.
- Training and Safety Issues. If workers are not properly trained for their jobs or on safety protocols, the risk of accidents increases. Fishermen may not be provided with adequate safety gear, or they may not use it when they should, leading to accidents.
Commercial fishermen also get injured simply because of the difficult nature of the job. They have to operate and move heavy equipment and cargo, which can lead to injuries.
Common Injuries in Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing has many hazards, which can lead to many types of accidents and injuries. These are some examples of the more common injuries seen in the industry:
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Crush injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Amputations
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite
Fatalities are also high in commercial fishing. Fishermen may die on the job or later from injuries.
How to Prevent Commercial Fishing Accidents
Accidents in commercial fishing cause significant injuries and are too often fatal. They are also too often preventable. Some basic measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in the industry.
Training
Workers should be adequately trained for their jobs, including safety training. They should be provided with safety gear and be required to use it. Many drownings that have occurred in fishing involved workers who were not wearing appropriate gear that could have saved their lives.
Equipment
Equipment is another significant source of accidents. Equipment and machinery must be kept in good working condition to prevent accidents. The deck of a fishing vessel can often be crowded, but measures must be taken to reduce trip and slip hazards.
Break Time
Fatigue can also be a significant cause of errors that lead to accidents. Employers are responsible for allowing workers adequate rest time so they can work effectively and safely.
Alaska Improves Safety in Commercial Fishing
Alaska is one of the most dangerous places to fish, but it recently experienced a fatality-free year in 2022. Experts say this is part of a trend of greater safety in the industry. In the 1980s, there was an average of 31 annual deaths in Alaska commercial fishing.
The improvements are associated with greater industry oversight, more safety requirements on fishing boats, and more frequent safety inspections and dockside exams.
What Are My Legal Rights if I Get Injured as a Commercial Fisherman?
Commercial fishermen have a right to seek compensation after a workplace injury. A maritime lawyer can help you determine which laws apply and how to make a claim if you suffered an injury on the job. If you lost a loved one in a commercial fishing accident, a lawyer can help you seek benefits.
If the accident resulted from negligence, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act to recover damages. Maintenance and cure is another maritime law that entitles you to make a claim to cover expenses related to your injury as well as lost wages. Workers’ compensation may be another option.
If you work in Alaska, where some of the most dangerous commercial fishing takes place, you may qualify for the Alaska Fishermen’s Fund. It provides compensation for injured workers and is funded by revenue generated through commercial fishing licenses.
Talk to an experienced lawyer to determine how to take the next steps. They give you the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.