The use of NHS accident and emergency services by commercial sea fishermen in the North East of Scotland

Citation

Matheson C, Morrison S, Murphy E, Ritchie LD, Bond CM & Lawrie T (2005) The use of NHS accident and emergency services by commercial sea fishermen in the North East of Scotland. Occupational Medicine, 55 (2), pp. 96-98. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqi037

Abstract
Background: Commercial sea fishing is known to be a hazardous occupation, but little quantitative research has been conducted in the UK. Objective: To describe the demography of commercial fishermen accessing NHS accident and emergency (A&E) services and profile the reasons for attendance. Methods: Eight NHS A&E departments in North East Scotland participated in the audit. A structured data collection form was completed by the attending nurse or doctor during a 6 month period (March-August). All commercial sea fishermen attending during this time were included whether or not the reason for attendance was work-related. Results: There were 164 cases of which 133 (81%) presented with injuries and 19 (12%) with illnesses (12 unknown). Twenty-seven (16%) cases had required emergency evacuation from commercial vessels. The most frequent category of injury was 'hand', 'wrist' or 'finger' followed by 'head', 'face' and 'throat'. Conclusion: Commercial sea fishing is a dangerous occupation with many injuries requiring NHS A&E treatment. The relatively high level of injuries compared to illness indicates that there are still safety issues to be addressed and current risk assessment requirements need to be reviewed.

Keywords
Accident and emergency; occupational accidents; fishing

Journal
Occupational Medicine: Volume 55, Issue 2