Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 31 October 2006

Inspection program for rock lobster fishing vessels

With the rock lobster season opening in mid-November, WorkSafe is conducting pre-season inspections of rock lobster fishing vessels to ensure they continue to operate safely.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the inspection program aimed to keep owners and skippers informed of their responsibilities for providing safe and healthy workplaces on fishing vessels.

“WorkSafe inspectors have this year embarked on an inspection program for vessels between Leeman and Hillarys, and will operate in cooperation with the industry and other agencies to promote safety issues,” Ms Lyhne said.

“WorkSafe’s inspections will be carried out before the season begins, and the Department of Fisheries will also be conducting an industry advisory tour to advise on issues like quotas and catch estimates.

“During the first couple of weeks of the season, the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) will also conduct safety awareness workshops for the industry.

“WorkSafe’s inspections will cover a wide range of safety issues, especially person overboard emergency systems after two deckhands were lost overboard in the trawl industry in a three-week period a couple of months ago.

“WAFIC has an industry code to provide guidance to owners and skippers on meeting all responsibilities to be assessed by WorkSafe, and I strongly encourage all owners and skippers to have a copy of the code on hand at all times.”

Some of the areas being checked by WorkSafe inspectors are:
 The use of electricity, in particular the presence of residual current devices;
 Hazardous substances – including registers of substances, labeling, storage and risk assessments;
 Machinery guarding and emergency stop devices;
 Manual handling procedures, especially when retrieving and handling pots;
 Emergency procedures, including persons overboard and sea survival;
 Induction and training of all fishermen, including new and young workers;
 Prevention of slips, trips and falls;
 Safe systems of work for diving for pot retrieval; and
 The provision of fire extinguishers, warning signs and personal protective equipment.

“Skippers and owners have traditionally been very cooperative with inspectors, and are generally interested in staying informed about their responsibilities with regard to safety,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Although the attention paid to safety in the industry has improved over recent years, the tragic toll of 18 deaths over the past 10 years in the fishing industry – including the two people recently lost overboard in the trawl industry – still leaves room for improvement.

“If everyone in the fishing industry ensures all possible safety measures are taken, then safety and health in the industry will improve.”

Further information on safety in the fishing industry can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777, or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.  The WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) can be contacted on 9244 2933, or go to the website at www.wafic.org.au.