Issue Date:  -  Friday, 6 August 2004

Fishing industry advised to prepare in off-season

WA’s fishing industry has been advised to make preparations now to ensure the safety and health of workers in the coming season.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the off-season should be used wisely to prepare for the following season.

“This is the time of year in which fishing boat owners should be looking after the issues that cannot be left until the actual season begins,” she said.

The unfortunate fact is that 40 people have died in the WA commercial fishing industry over the past 15 years, which really is an unacceptable toll.

“An important consideration should be the training of new workers, an issue that needs to given the highest priority.

“New and young workers are one of WorkSafe’s priority areas, and a lot of work is going into ensuring that employers are made aware of the need to induct and properly train new and young employees.

“There are few events more devastating than the death or serious injury of a young person with a long life ahead of them or the maiming of a worker on their first day on the job, so I strongly urge all fishing boat owners to ensure all employees are fully trained before boats go out.

It is particularly important to train employees in manual handling procedures – how to properly lift and correctly operate machinery and other equipment.

“Another important consideration in the off-season is ensuring emergency plans are in place, particularly cyclone contingency plans in the appropriate regions.

“Under WA’s occupational safety and health laws, owners of commercial vessels are required to have adequate plans to protect crews in the event of a cyclone, and owners and skippers must provide adequate plans and training for their crews.

“The guarding of machinery on boats is also extremely important, and owners should ensure that all moving parts are guarded for the safety of operators.”

“Boat owners should also ensure that their vessels are fitted with residual current devices (RCDs) wherever they are required to lessen the risk of electrocution to crew members,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Basically, owners and skippers should be using the time during off-season wisely so vessels can hit the water ready to go when the season begins later in the year.”

Further information on safety requirements in the fishing industry can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.  Information is also available from the WA Fishing Industry Council.