Health of Fishermen - Research results announced
Fishing Industry Safety & Health (FISH) was set up by Scottish White Fish Producers Association Limited (the biggest Association of fishermen in the United Kingdom) and Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (representing around 70% of the UK fishing catching capacity). The rationale of the organisation is to address health issues affecting the safety for fishermen at sea and FISH accordingly, supported by a wide range of advisors, including Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the University of Aberdeen, Grampian Police, Health Promotions, North East Fishermen’s Training Association and Banff & Buchan College of Further Education (where around 70% of the training of UK fishermen takes place) and others, almost as its first task, commissioned the University of Aberdeen to undertake a study addressing a variety of issues affecting fishermen at sea, including diet, the use of medicines at sea, stress, fatigue, drug and alcohol use and access to health services such as doctors and dentist.
The findings of the 15 month study, which was carried out by a team from the Department of General Practice and Primary Care of the University on behalf of FISH, are released today, Monday 12th March 2001 and show more than half of the fishermen in North East Scotland suffer from stress caused by financial worry, and that the current economic climate in the industry is putting the lives of fishermen at risk as they are obliged to go to sea during bad weather and for longer periods to try and make a living.
Dr Catriona Matheson headed the study for the University and involved the largest survey of skippers and crew carried out to date in Scotland. The data was collected in a variety of ways, including a Health/Lifestyle Questionnaire sent to over 2,000 fishermen across Scotland, an audit of the use of the accident/emergency units was undertaken and health diaries were also kept by a sample of fishermen, with interviews being conducted with Fishing Industry representatives, health professionals, education and other statutory bodies.
Dr Matheson said “From the research we can see substantial evidence of high levels of smoking (34% are smokers), some evidence of inadequate diet and high levels of accidents, with almost a quarter of fishermen being involved in an accident which required them to be taken ashore. Stress is a predominant issue and this is believed to be compounded by financial pressures, with fatigue among fishermen also being highlighted as an issue which affects health and safety”.
When asked which factors affect their health most at sea, 62% of the 1,000 skippers and crewmen interviewed suggested lack of sleep at sea, 55% say lack of exercise and 53% said financial worry.
George MacRae, Chairman of FISH, said “The results of the study show some areas of concern, but also others are quite encouraging. The study is yet another example of a pro-active approach being taken by the Fishing Industry to a wide range of issues including health and safety at sea. The Industry must be congratulated on facing up to difficult issues, and training programmes in respect of appropriate the findings of the study will be set in place almost immediately”.
As a result of the study, the University of Aberdeen, together with Health Promotions, will work with FISH and Banff & Buchan College to meet the health needs of the Fishing Industry as affecting safety at sea.
The significance of the study is underpinned by the whole funding for the study being provided by MCA, Seafish Industry Authority and Grampian Pesca Programme.
Further information from:
Alison Ramsay, Public Relations, University of Aberdeen 01224 272014
Andrea Whiteside, Public Relations, Health Promotions 01224 551357
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.