Injury and time studies of working processes in fishing

Epidemiological studies of occupational injury document the incidence rates of the main structures as type of workplace and the work departments. The specific work processes within the departments represent an internal structure where the injury rates have not been given much attention before. The purpose of the present study was to relate the length of the working time to the number of injuries for the specific working processes in fishing. Time measurements were performed during participation in fishing trips with four different kinds of vessels. Risk index numbers for the specific working processes were calculated by dividing the number of injuries within a 5-year period with the total sum of minutes used for each working process as measured during one fishing trip for each type of fishing. The highest risk index numbers were found for embarking and disembarking the vessel, which only takes a minimum of time for the fishermen. Also for other working processes, especially working with the gear and nets, the index numbers were high and relevant for the prevention. This can be used as a supplemental tool of injury prevention to point out working processes that need high attention for prevention. The method can be applied for other industries.