Fishing Risks: By Gear Type
Gillnet & Troll
Watch a VIDEO of these gear types in action.
Gillnet
Herring Gillnet
Troll
Check out the injury statistics for Gillnet & Troll
Check out the Gillnet & Troll Safety Best Practices
Most common injuries (per WorkSafeBC worker claims 2015-2019)
Injury due to vessel movement, often in rough weather result in falls leading to broken bones, deep bruises and other serious strains leading to immobility.
Example: On a fishing boat in rough waters, worker’s foot caught causing him to fall forwards into the cockpit, twisting around and falling onto back.
Solution: Working in rough weather is inevitable. Be sure the deck is kept clear of tripping hazards as much as possible. Ensure crew wear non-slip footwear.
Check out WorkSafeBC’s handbook ‘Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace’
Injury due to getting caught in a piece of equipment often leads to amputations, broken bones, and serious lacerations (cuts).
Example: While pulling up the anchor, worker’s hand got caught between the anchor chain and winch. Both the thumb and middle finger were broken.
Solution: Ensure workers receive proper instruction on the safe use of all equipment and provide demonstration of safe work practice. Don’t leave this to trial and error!
Injury due to overexertion, often due to repetitive lifting and twisting result in serious strains, hernias and other strains leading to immobility.
Example: Worker spent several hours bending over and standing up pulling salmon off fishing lines, resulting in back strain and eventual immobility.
Solution: Skippers, discuss and demonstrate proper lifting procedures with crew. Whenever possible, try to rotate crew between different tasks. Ensure crew remain properly hydrated at all times.