The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has published a factsheet targeted at captains of small fishing vessels in Europe.

This four-page factsheet provides a step-by-step guide to assessing and preventing risks on board fishing vessels, including falls overboard, musculoskeletal disorders and environmental hazards, such as excessive exposure to water. Each year nearly 24,000 fishermen across the globe are killed at work and thousands more suffer debilitating accidents and work-related health problems. It includes a checklist to help with the risk assessment process, an overview of captains’ legal requirements and information on some of the most common risks.

Factsheet No.38 on Risk Assessment for Small Fishing Vessels is available in PDF format.

To complement the document, the Agency has produced a Web feature on good practice in the fisheries sector, covering a wide range of topics, from ‘diving’ and ‘sea fishing’ to ‘fish and crustacean handling and preparation’. It also includes an on-line forum, a ‘frequently asked questions’ (FAQ) section and links to other organizations providing information on safety and health and the fisheries sector.