Fishermen Still Not Embracing Personal Flotation Devices
Island Institute reported that most deaths among lobstermen from 2010-2014 were related to falls overboard (50 percent) or vessel disasters (30 percent), and based on reports, none of the recovered victims was wearing a lifejacket. A Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety campaign this spring will send two vans to ports in Maine and Massachusetts, and staff will present lifejacket options at a one-time discount and will allow fishermen to try them on, get information about the various options available, and learn about additional technology that can improve fishermen’s chances of recovery and survival in the event of a fall overboard. Read more.