Continuous improvement in workplace safety key for WA commercial fishing industry
31 August 2010
WA’s commercial fishing industry is maintaining its focus on continuous improvement in workplace health and safety aboard fishing vessels.
In conjunction with the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health the industry’s peak body, WA Fishing Industry Council, has developed a code of practice on “man overboard” for the commercial fishing industry.
The code is a practical approach to addressing the risks associated with accidental falls from commercial fishing vessels including the prevention and emergency responses if a man overboard incident occurs.
“Safety is fundamental to the fishing industry and WAFIC instigated an industry workplace health and safety code in 1992,” said WAFIC CEO, Anna Cronin.
“Since then we have worked with Worksafe to improve the commercial fishing industry management of workplace safety.”
“This man overboard code is a further tool available to owners, skippers and crew to build on the steady improvement in workplace safety and training in the commercial fishing industry,” said Ms Cronin.
Commercial fishing, by the very fact that vessels go to sea to work, means it has hazards that are very different to those on land. This code encourages preventative measures to be put in place through a risk assessment approach to highlight where implementation of measures to prevent falls are required.
“Accidents will happen but if an incident does take place, fishermen that have assessed the risk and put safety measures in place will be ready to implement an immediate and effective system to rescue the person who has fallen overboard,” said Peter Glass, chair of the WAFIC Safety, Education and Training Committee.
“This includes ensuring that everyone on board is adequately trained and knows what to do if an emergency does arise.”
Copies of the Code of Practice on Man Overboard can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
You can also download the Code of Practice and related documents from the Safety, Education and Training section of WAFIC's website.
Media contact:
Brett McCallum
Safety, Education and Training Officer
0417 908 089
