Occupational Hazards in Fisheries

Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Aquaculture

Aquaculture Methods and Practice

Vocabulary

• Biological Health - Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, are organic substances that
pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans.
• Brackish water Culture - It is rich in oxygen and plankton. Brackish water organisms can be
cultured in various ways such as in tidal ponds, pens, cages or by rack, raft, or rope culture.
• Chemical hazards - mean any organic or inorganic substance of a particular identity, any
element or uncombined chemical and any combination of such substances, or any mixture or
two or more chemical substances.
• Ergonomic Health - It is the science of fitting jobs to workers instead of trying to get the
worker to fit the job. It focuses on designing workstations, tools & work tasks for safety,
efficiency, and comfort.
• Manmade Hazard - Anthropological hazards are those hazards caused directly or indirectly by
human action or inaction. They can be contrasted with natural hazards.
• Mariculture - For the culture of fish, prawns, and lobster floating cages are used.
• Natural Hazard - It is a natural phenomenon that might have a negative effect on people or
the environment. Natural hazard events can be grouped into four broad categories.
• Physical Health - Refer to the potential risks that can cause physical harm or injury to workers
due to physical agents, factors or conditions present in the workplace.
• Psychosocial Hazard - refer to the stressors and factors in the workplace or environment that
can cause emotional distress or mental health issues in individuals.

Whether working on-board a fishing vessel or in port, fishers are often exposed to occupational
hazards. Fishing requires working for long hours at sea, often at night and in rough weather. The
work involves transporting and operating heavy equipment and gears and handling of sometimes
dangerous catches. The work in commercial fisheries can therefore have severe health consequences,
cause accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Health and safety in fisheries are a complex issue with multiple aspects. Fishing is performed
under unpredictable and rapidly changing weather and sea conditions, yet many fishing vessel crew
are lacking any form of protection. Many fishing crews, particularly in small-scale fisheries, have only
informal and self-employed work arrangements, lack proper employment contracts and have limited
or no access to social security, including pensions, disability, and health insurance. A large majority
of fishing crews worldwide have not received basic safety training nor have access to safety gear and
protective clothing while working on board, which contributes to their exposure to occupational
hazards. In addition, cultural norms and views around masculinity tend to influence the perception
of risks and behavior of fishers.

Occupational health issues commonly encountered in commercial fisheries include:

• Cancers and allergies, such as skin cancers, from lengthy and unprotected exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
• Eye disorders, such as sunburned eyes and blurred vision, from overexposure to UV rays from
the sun.
• Injuries, from sharp objects on deck, gears or fish handling.
• Hearing disorders, from working in noisy engine rooms.
• Musculoskeletal disorders, from falls on slippery wet surfaces, getting caught in winches or
other machinery or from lifting heavy loads.
• Suicides, from lengthy periods of stress and fatigue.
• Drug and alcohol addictions.
A hazard is a situation that poses a level of threat to life, health property, and environment.
Hazards can be dormant or potential, with only a theoretical risk of harm; however, once a hazard
becomes “active”, it can create an emergency. A hazard that has come to pass is called incident.
Hazard and possibility interact together to create risk.

Types of Hazards:

Natural Hazard - It is a natural phenomenon that might have a negative effect on people or the
environment. Natural hazard events can be grouped into four broad categories.

• Geophysical hazards – these hazards are driven by geological (i.e., Earth) processes, in
particular, plate tectonics. This includes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Meteorological hazards – these hazards driven by meteorological (i.e., weather) processes, in
particular those related to temperature and wind. This includes heat wave, cold waves,
cyclones, hurricanes, and freezing rain.
• Hydrological hazards – hazards driven by hydrological (i.e., water) processes. This includes
floods, droughts, mudslides, and tsunamis.
• Biological hazards – can refer to a diverse array of disease and infestation.

Manmade Hazard - Anthropological hazards are those hazards caused directly or indirectly by
human action or inaction. They can be contrasted with natural hazards.

• These are the result of carelessness or human errors during technological and industrial use.
• Disasters are in the form of accidents, which occur all of a sudden and take a huge toll on
life and property. Mostly such disasters cause injuries, disease, and casualties where they
occur.
• Anthropogenic hazards may adversely affect human, other organisms and biomes and eco-
systems.

Types of Natural and Manmade Hazard in Fisheries

• CYCLONE
▪ Cyclone is a large scale of air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric
pressure.
▪ In the northern hemisphere, cyclones are called hurricanes or typhoons, and their winds
blow in an anti-clockwise circle. In the southern hemisphere, these tropical storms are
known as cyclones, whose winds blow in a clockwise circle.
 ▪ In common terms, cyclone can be described as a giant circular storm system whose wind
speed must be more than 119km/hr.
• FLOODS
▪ Floods refer to the inundation of large parts of land which otherwise remain dry by water
for some duration of time.
▪ Floods are two types: Natural floods and catastrophic floods.
▪ The floods in the mountainous regions due to cloudbursts or damming of streams are
referred to as flashfloods. In flashfloods, the water drains away quickly but only after
causing extensive damage.
▪ Floods are also caused by heavy snow melting.
• DROUGHT
▪ It is a condition of abnormally dry weather within a geographic region. It is the lack or
insufficiency of rain for an extended period of time in a specific region.
▪ During droughts, rainfall is less than normal causing a water imbalance and resultant
water shortage. It occurs when the rate of evaporation and transpiration exceeds
precipitation for a considerable period.
▪ Droughts usually occur in hot dry areas of land. It most cases the area is dry because
there is very minimal rainfall. The rain that does fall will be quickly absorbed into the
ground or blown away by the dry air flow that moves along the ground. Therefore, the
land is very dry and not many things can live there.
• TSUNAMI
▪ Tsunami is a Japanese word with the English translation, “harbor wave.” Also known
as seismic sea wave.
▪ It is a series of waves in a water body cause by the displacement of a large volume of
water, generally in an ocean or a large lake.
▪ Tsunami may reach a maximum vertical height onshore above sea level, often called a
run-up height, of 10, 20 and even 30 meters.
• EL-NINO
▪ it is defined by prolonged differences in Pacific Ocean surface temperature when
compared with the average value. The accepted definition is a warming or cooling of at
least 0.5-degree Celsius average over the east-central tropical Pacific Ocean.
▪ it affects the global climate and disrupts normal weather patterns, which as a result can
led to intense storms in some places and droughts in others. It also affects the Indian
climate by altering rainfall, floods, marine habitat, and storm patterns.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Hazards

OSH is a risk associated with working in specific occupations. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) describes five categories of occupational hazards: ergonomic health, physical
health, biological, psychological health, environmental and chemical risk factors.

Ergonomic Health - It is the science of fitting jobs to workers instead of trying to get the worker to
fit the job. It focuses on designing workstations, tools & work tasks for safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Ergonomics seeks to decrease fatigue and injuries, along with increasing comfort, productivity, job
satisfaction and safety, because work injuries are not inevitable, and a well-designed job should not
hurt you.

Ergonomics is important because when you’re doing a job, and your body is stressed by an
awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement your musculoskeletal system is
affected. Your body may begin to have symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, and pain, which can be
the first signs of a musculoskeletal disorder.

What are Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs?

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are cumulative and chronic injuries of the soft tissue-
muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and blood vessels. The body has limits and can fail or
wear out when abused or misused. MSDs are defined as injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments,
joints, nerves, and discs that are caused or aggravated by our actions and/or environment that does
not follow safe and healthy work practices.
 A well-known MSD is carpal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the nerve, which runs from
the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel
- a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the 5 median
nerves and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the
tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed resulting in pain, weakness, loss of grip or
numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm

Symptoms of MSDs

• Pain
• Weakness
• Stiffness
• Sensitivity
• Swelling
• Burning sensation
• Tingling
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty moving

Ergonomic Risk Factors

• Force
• Heaving lifting
• Push or pull
• Carrying
• Gripping
• Awkward or prolonged
• postures
• Repetitive activities
• Overhead work
• Contact stress
• Vibration

Some Ways to Reduce Ergonomic Risks Engineering Improvements.

Engineering improvements include rearranging modifying, redesigning, or replacing tools, equipment,

workstations, packaging parts, or products. These improvements can be very effective because they
may reduce or eliminate contributing factors. (For example, if your job requires sitting for long periods
of time, having an adjustable seat or foot stool so that your knees are higher than your hips help
protect your lower back.)

Administrative Improvements. Administrative improvements include changing work practices, or the

way work is organized.

• Providing variety in jobs

• Adjusting work schedules and work pace
• Providing recovery time (i.e., muscle relaxation time)
• Modifying work practices
• Ensuring regular housekeeping and maintenance of workspaces, tools, and equipment
• Encouraging exercise

Personal Protective Equipment. Safety gear, or personal protective equipment (PPE), includes gloves,
knee and elbow pads, footwear, and other items that employees wear.

Physical Health - Refer to the potential risks that can cause physical harm or injury to workers due
to physical agents, factors or conditions present in the workplace.

Types of Physical Hazards

The main factors and conditions associated with physical hazards include:
Body Stressing - Body stress is a collective term covering a broad range of health problems associated
with repetitive and strenuous work.

Factors Influencing Body Stress

Body stressing injuries, or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), often develop from ergonomic hazards
or carrying out hazardous manual tasks.

Body stressing injuries at work can result from a variety of factors:

• Psychosocial aspects of work – factors such as job demands, control, support and
satisfaction, imbalance between effort and reward and monotony of tasks. Financial concerns
or relationship issues may also contribute.
• Biomechanical - soft tissue damage which may occur through:
▪ direct exposure (blunt trauma or sudden overload), leading to a muscle tear or sprain,
or
▪ indirect exposure (repeated light loading), leading to symptoms that may accumulate to
cause further degeneration and injury.
• Individual worker characteristics – factors including health problems or out of hours
demands.

Electricity - Electric shock through poor electrical installation and faulty appliances can cause
serious injury and even death. It can result in:

• death from electrocution

• burn injuries to skin and internal tissue as well as damage to the heart
• other injuries, such as falling from ladders and heights, muscle spasms, palpitations, and
unconsciousness.

Heat

• Heat strain can result from working in hot temperatures and being exposed to high levels of
humidity or thermal radiation, such as in foundries, commercial kitchens and laundries. –
• When working in extreme heat conditions, you must be able to carry out work without a risk
to your health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Heights - Working at heights is a high-risk activity and a leading cause of death and serious injury.

Noise

• Noise in the workplace is considered excessive when you need to raise your voice to be heard
by someone a meter away.
• Excessive noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the
ears). It can also affect psychological health including anxiety, depression, fatigue,
sleeplessness, memory, and decision making.

Vibration

• There are risks connected to working with vibrating equipment and plant which need to be
assessed and managed.
• Evidence also shows that people who experience vibration and noise at the same time are more
likely to suffer hearing loss and musculoskeletal problems, than people exposed to noise or
vibration alone.

Biological Health - Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, are organic substances that pose
a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This category includes pathogens such
as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other microorganisms that can cause infections. They also
include biological toxins, allergens, and biological vectors that can carry diseases across different
species. Biological hazards can affect the human body in several ways, depending on the nature of
the hazard and the route of exposure. The primary routes of entry into the body are:

Examples of Biological Hazards

 • Inhalation: Breathing in airborne pathogens or toxins can lead to respiratory infections or
conditions. Examples include tuberculosis bacteria or the spores of fungi.
• Skin Contact: Some biohazards can enter through cuts or abrasions in the skin or can cause
infections or allergic reactions upon contact. For instance. bloodborne pathogens like HIV and
hepatitis B virus can enter through open wounds.
• Ingestion: Consuming contaminated food or water can result in gastrointestinal illnesses. E.
coli or Salmonella bacteria are common causes of foodborne diseases.
• Inoculation: This occurs when a pathogen is introduced into the body through a puncture,
needlestick injury, or a bite from an infected vector, like a mosquito carrying the dengue virus.
• Mucous Membrane Exposure: Pathogens can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or
mouth. For example, conjunctivitis can be caused by certain viruses or bacteria entering the
eye.

Psychosocial Health - Psychosocial hazards refer to the stressors and factors in the workplace or
environment that can cause emotional distress or mental health issues in individuals. They are
increasingly recognized as major challenges to occupational health and safety. Psychosocial hazards
are aspects of work design, organization, and management, as well as social and environmental
factors, that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm.

Examples of Psychosocial Hazards

• Work Stress: This can be caused by a variety of factors such as high workloads, tight
deadlines, lack of control over work, and poor organizational support. Chronic work stress can
lead to burnout, which is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional
efficacy.
• Workplace Violence: This includes bullying, harassment, and physical violence from
colleagues, managers, or members of the public. It can lead to physical injury as well as
psychological trauma.
• Work-life Balance: Poor work-life balance due to long hours or shift work can lead to stress
and conflict between work and family or personal life.
• Job Insecurity: Uncertainty about the future of one’s job can be a significant source of stress
and anxiety.
• Poor Organizational Culture: A workplace that lacks policies for promoting respect and fair
treatment may lead to a toxic work environment.
• Lack of Participation and Control: Having little influence over one’s job or working conditions
can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, and a feeling of lack of control.

Environmental - Environmental health is a field that focuses on how the natural and human-built
surroundings as well as behaviors affect human well-being. The field is concerned with preventing
disease, death, and disability by reducing exposure to environmental hazards and promoting
behavioral change. Environmental hazards are threats to human health and well-being.

The importance of workplace health

• The world of work is evolving rapidly, and employee health has become a major concern.
The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened this awareness, emphasizing the importance of a
healthy work environment.
• Studies indicate that companies implementing a proactive approach to prevention and
occupational health and safety standards (OHS) have employees who are healthy, safe, and
perform well.
• Employee health stands as a fundamental pillar within a company’s overall framework.
Healthy employees are more engaged, productive, and less prone to extended absences or
workplace accidents.

The role of Occupational Health Prevention Services in environmental monitoring

• The Occupational Health and Prevention Services (OHPS) play a crucial role in environmental
monitoring within companies.
• Their primary mission is to ensure the protection and promotion of workers’ health by
assessing occupational risks, including those related to the work environment. As part of
 workplace environmental monitoring, these services analyze working conditions, potential
exposure to environmental pollutants such as chemical, physical, or biological agents, as well
as other environmental factors that could impact employee health.
• These identifications and risk assessments by the Occupational Health and Prevention
Services contribute to the implementation of preventive measures and action plans, aiming to
reduce occupational accidents and work-related illnesses, which result in economic losses
equivalent to 4-6% of GDP in most countries (WHO).
• Promoting a healthy and safe work environment not only helps meet regulatory standards but
also enhances the quality of work life, fosters employee well-being, and improves productivity.

Environmental risks in the workplace

Potential hazards and effects on employee health

The environmental risks to which employees are exposed can vary depending on the industry, type of
work performed, and geographical location. Here are some of the environmental risks commonly
encountered by workers:

• Air Pollution - Possibility of exposure to various pollutants and chemicals. In the service
sector, pollutants such as fine particles, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), or
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or light (VOLCs) are found.
• Noise Pollution - Exposure to high levels of noise from machinery, equipment, or industrial
processes. According to the INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety), noise represents
a significant nuisance in the workplace.
• Thermal Comfort
▪ High temperature: Can lead to heat strokes, dehydration, and discomfort, with
potentially serious health consequences.
▪ Low temperature: Exposing workers to cold conditions can result in frostbite,
hypothermia, and circulatory problems.

The benefits of environmental monitoring

Environmental monitoring emerges as an essential tool to ensure workplace health and prevent risks.
By conducting an assessment of occupational hazards, proactive preventive measures can be taken
to promote well-being, health, and enhance working conditions.

• Detection of Health Risks - Environmental monitoring allows for quickly identifying potential
exposures to harmful substances or hazardous working conditions. This facilitates the
implementation of preventive measures before health issues manifest among workers.
• Prevention of Occupational Diseases - By monitoring work-related environmental factors,
health prevention services can help prevent the development of occupational diseases. This
includes early detection of risks associated with inhaling chemicals, exposure to carcinogenic
agents, etc.
• Regulatory Compliance - By monitoring environmental parameters, health prevention
services can ensure that the company complies with health and safety regulations in the
workplace (OHS). This reduces the risk of legal sanctions and enhances the company’s
reputation.
• Improvement of Productivity - Healthy and safe working conditions contribute to a more
productive workforce. By monitoring environmental aspects, companies can minimize
absences due to health reasons, reduce costs associated with sick leave, and increase overall
productivity.
• Employee Education and Awareness - Environmental monitoring provides a solid foundation
for employee education and awareness. Informed workers about potential risks are more likely
to adopt safe behaviors and correctly use personal protective equipment.
• Tracking Trends and Evaluating Interventions - By collecting data over an extended period,
health prevention services can assess the effectiveness of implemented preventive measures.
This allows for adjusting prevention strategies based on observed trends.

Chemical - Chemical hazards mean any organic or inorganic substance of a particular identity, any
element or uncombined chemical and any combination of such substances, or any mixture or two or
more chemical substances. Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, or contact with harmful
substances can pose risks. In various industries, these substances can be present in the form of
liquids, solids, gases, mist, dusts, fumes, and vapors.

Examples of Chemical Hazards

• Toxic Substances: These can cause various health effects, ranging from mild irritation to
severe health conditions, including organ damage and cancer. Toxicity can depend on the dose,
duration of exposure, and the nature of the chemical.
• Corrosives: Chemicals like acids and bases can cause burns on contact with skin or eyes.
They can also damage respiratory tissues if inhaled and can corrode metal equipment.
• Irritants: These substances may not cause immediate damage but can lead to inflammation
or irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, or throat with exposure.
• Sensitizers: Sensitizers can lead to allergic reactions upon exposure. Repeated exposure can
increase sensitivity and lead to sever reactions like dermatitis or respiratory issues.
• Carcinogens: These are substances that are known or suspected to cause cancer. Regular
exposure, even at low levels, can be dangerous over time.
• Mutagens: Mutagenic chemicals can cause changes in the DNA of exposed individuals, leading
to genetic mutations.
• Reproductive Toxins: These chemicals affect reproductive capabilities, including fertility
issues, developmental disorders, and birth defects.
• Asphyxiants: These chemicals either consume or displace oxygen in the air or interfere with
the body’s ability to transport or utilize oxygen, leading to suffocation. Carbon monoxide is a
well-known example.
• Neurotoxins: Substances that have harmful effects on the nervous system, leading to
symptoms such as dizziness, tremors, and, in severe cases, brain damage.
• Systemic Toxins: These affect entire body systems or multiple organs, such as the liver,
kidneys, or the central nervous system.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC AQUACULTURE

Advantages of Organic Aquaculture

Organic foods are free of dangerous pesticides and antibiotics. Recycles animal waste back into the
farm. Environment-friendly organic products are more nutritional, tasty, and good for health.

• Environment-friendly.
• Promotes sustainable development.
• Healthy and tasty food.
• Inexpensive process.
• It uses organic inputs.
• Generates income through exports.
• Source of employment.
• It is more labor-intensive.
• Hence, it generates more employment.

Disadvantages of Organic Aquaculture

Organic Aquaculture gives more nutritious and safe food. It is popular for growing organic foods. that
is thought to have become healthier and safer. Perhaps ensures food safety from farm to plate. This
process is more eco-friendly than conventional farming. Our government should increase awareness
of biological farming

• Less output.
• Higher price.
• The lack of awareness.
• Organic products generally demand a higher price due to higher demand.
• They have a shorter life span due to the absence of artificial preservatives.
• They rarely subsidized farming methods.
• Rigorous certification process.
Aquaculture has a tradition of about 4 000 years. It began in China, possibly due to the desires of an
emperor to have a constant supply of fish. It is speculated that the techniques for keeping fish in
ponds originated in China with fishermen who kept their surplus catch alive temporarily in baskets
submerged in rivers or small bodies of water created by damming one side of a riverbed. Another
possibility is that aquaculture developed from ancient practices for trapping fish, with the operations
steadily improving from trapping-holding to trapping-holding-growing, and finally into complete
husbandry practices (Ling, 1977).

Overview of Aquaculture Methods and Practice

A number of aquaculture practices are used world-wide in three types of environments (freshwater,
brackish water, and marine) for a great variety of culture organisms. Freshwater aquaculture is
carried out either in fishponds, fish pens, fish cages or, on a limited scale, in rice paddies. Brackish
water aquaculture is done mainly in fishponds located in coastal areas. Marine culture employs either
fish cages or substrates for mollusks and seaweed such as stakes, ropes, and rafts. These practices
include:

1. Mariculture
2. Metahaline culture
3. Brackish water culture
4. Freshwater Culture