4059.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 2

Abstract #25837

Comparing risk for ergonomic injury between commercial fishing and fisheries research

Scott Fulmer, MS, Work Environment Department, U-Mass Lowell, 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-934-3351, Scott_Fulmer@uml.edu

In helping to understand the ergonomic risks of one community, it may be helpful to analyze comparable work environments of another community. In these case studies, the two different communities are commercial fishing and fisheries resource scientists. The work methods of a fishing trawler (using mobile gear) from each respective community are analyzed during normal operations. The risk for cumulative trauma injuries is assessed by collecting PATH (an ergonomic assessment tool) data through direct observation. Identified risk factors are compared, and their relationship to each vessel's purpose is explored. Feedback from the crew of each vessel and possible interventions are listed. Comparisons to commercial fishing vessels using stationary gear are also drawn.

Learning Objectives: Participants in this session will be able to: 1. List five general risk factors for cumulative trauma injury, and three risk factors specific to cumulative trauma in fishing vessels. 2. Contrast goals and work methods of commercial fish harvesters to fishery population trawl surveys, and recognize how those goals and methods influence exposure to risk. 3. Create new preventive measures to recognized occupational exposures in these work environments.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Agricultural Work Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA