R Weil1, K Pinto2, J Lincoln3, M Hall-Arber4, J Sorensen1. 1. The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown, New York. 2. Fishing Partnership Support Services, Burlington, Massachusetts. 3. Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Program, Alaska Pacific Office, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Anchorage, Alaska. 4. MIT Sea Grant, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study explored perspectives of Northeast commercial lobstermen regarding the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs). Researchers sought to identify factors contributing to low PFD use, and motivators that could lead to increased use of PFDs. METHODS: This qualitative research (n = 72) included 25 commercial fishermen who participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and 47 attendees of Lobstermen's meetings who engaged in focus groups. RESULTS: The results showed substantial barriers to PFD use. Fishermen described themselves as being proactive about safety whenever possible, but described a longstanding tradition of not wearing PFDs. Key factors integrally linked with the lack of PFD use were workability, identity/social stigma, and risk diffusion. CONCLUSION: Future safety interventions will need to address significant barriers to PFD use that include issues of comfort and ease of use, as well as social acceptability of PFDs and reorientation of risk perceptions related to falls overboard.
BACKGROUND: This study explored perspectives of Northeast commercial lobstermen regarding the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs). Researchers sought to identify factors contributing to low PFD use, and motivators that could lead to increased use of PFDs. METHODS: This qualitative research (n = 72) included 25 commercial fishermen who participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and 47 attendees of Lobstermen's meetings who engaged in focus groups. RESULTS: The results showed substantial barriers to PFD use. Fishermen described themselves as being proactive about safety whenever possible, but described a longstanding tradition of not wearing PFDs. Key factors integrally linked with the lack of PFD use were workability, identity/social stigma, and risk diffusion. CONCLUSION: Future safety interventions will need to address significant barriers to PFD use that include issues of comfort and ease of use, as well as social acceptability of PFDs and reorientation of risk perceptions related to falls overboard.
Authors: Frederick Oporia; Simon P S Kibira; Jagnoor Jagnoor; Fred Nuwaha; Fredrick Edward Makumbi; Tonny Muwonge; Lesley Rose Ninsiima; Kjell Torén; John Bosco Isunju; Olive Kobusingye Journal: Inj Prev Date: 2022-01-24 Impact factor: 3.770