Awareness for safety in aquaculture
The event, which will take place in Kishorn, Strathcarron on 21 September, will remind farmers of the best ways of working to keep themselves and others safe and will provide an opportunity for the industry to get together and share their experiences.
The event, courtesy of Ferguson Transport (Scotland) Ltd, is being organised and supported by members of the Scottish Aquaculture Industry Forum (SAIF). It follows the success of three similar events earlier this year. Qualified instructors and experienced personnel from the industry will present practical demonstrations to help farmers identify common workplace hazards and the precautions they should be taking.
Working in the marine environment is a dangerous occupation. In the last decade The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has investigated four cases of drowning in the fish farming sector. Since September 2007 the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has started three investigations into accidents in which a total of six seafarers have died in enclosed/confined spaces. In May 2009 a double fatality on a moored barge in similar circumstances occurred and has been investigated by HSE.
HSE Inspector Ann Poyner said: “Aquaculture is an important industry in Scotland and one that we can be very proud of; however we must not forget that the marine environment is dangerous and unforgiving.
“The attendance at previous events demonstrates the industry’s real desire to protect its workforce and improve standards.”
WiIlliam Forsyth from the MCA added: “Previous Safety Health Awareness days have proved very successful and have helped the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to impart safety advice in many areas. In particular, the days have helped us to encourage seafarers to wear lifejackets on deck, underpinning our campaign message that 'lifejackets save lives.
“The awareness days are an effective tool which companies can use to enhance their own safety management systems in the workplace. We have received positive feedback from a number of companies whose staff attended previous events and they have reported seeing improved skills and safety attitudes of their staff in a number of their work streams.”
