Premium
Ergonomic exposure case studies in Massachusetts fishing vessels
Author(s) -
Fulmer Scott,
Buchholz Bryan
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.10086
Subject(s) - medicine , fishing , occupational exposure , occupational safety and health , environmental health , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , medical emergency , fishery , pathology , biology
Background Musculoskeletal disorders may not have been studied as much as greater risks in the dangerous environment of commercial fishing. Primary prevention of risk for these kinds of injuries and illnesses begins by a detailed understanding of what risks are likely to be common in the different fisheries, and how those risks might be reduced. Methods Ergonomic job analyses were conducted on three different types of fishing vessels in Massachusetts: gillnetting, otter trawling, and lobstering. Direct observation was used to link posture to task. Noise measurements, tool analysis, and cycle time measurements were also included. Results Production speed, materials handling, and vessel movement contributed to musculoskeletal stress by affecting observable postural deviation, repetition, and forceful exertions. Conclusions Interventions to reduce ergonomic risk factors might be possible through utilization of below deck space in certain boats, through better technology, or through simple tool adjustments. Am. J. Ind. Med. Suppl. 2:10–18, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.