Fishing safety moves forward
However, the ultimate aim is for the elimination of all fatalities and an even greater reduction in accidents at sea. According, to the MAIB report, there were four fatalities in 2013 – a historical low. The statistics reveal that 42 per cent of injuries involved the upper limbs and there were nine cases of traumatic amputation.
Derek Cardno said: “We welcome the reduction in fatalities, although one death is still one too many. The reduction does, however, reflect the industry’s serious efforts to make fishing a safer profession and shows that our various initiatives are working.
“One of the most important elements is for every skipper to ensure there is proper risk assessment for his vessel, and we have been helping the industry to achieve this through our onboard support scheme.”
Mr Cardno added: “Great credit to the continuing improvement in accident figures is down to the work of the Fishing Industry Safety Group, of which the SFF is an active member driving forward fishing safety. Praise should also go to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch – their annual reports provide useful insight and many salutary lessons on how to improve fishing safety.”
