Fishing is often considered one of the most dangerous jobs that anyone can do in the United States. It may not be the largest industry, but the rate at which people are injured or even lose their lives on the job is very high.
But why is this? From the outside, fishing doesn’t seem like it would be so dangerous, but it consistently ranks at the top. Let’s look at some of the reasons why.
What the CDC says about hazards in the industry
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that there are a lot of dangers for fishermen. These include the following:
- Hazardous working conditions
- Harsh weather
- Long work hours
- Strenuous labor
Some of these are objective hazards, meaning you can’t always avoid them. For instance, even fishermen who keep a close eye on the weather could be caught by a surprise storm and not have time to get back to port before it hits.
Another issue to consider is the proximity to medical assistance. Many fishing injuries that happen out on the open water occur when someone is nowhere near a hospital. It can take hours for them to get the care that they need. Even if their injuries are less severe than someone who is injured closer to the hospital, the ramifications may be more dire because of this delay, and the odds that they pass away from the accident may also be higher.
If you have been injured on the job or if you have lost a loved one to a workplace accident, make sure you are well aware of all of the legal options at your disposal.