HSE helps to prevent accidents at shetland fish farms

HSE/SCO/127/2009 30 June 2009

Scottish fish and shellfish farmers will come together in Scalloway, Shetland next week, to attend a special aquaculture and maritime safety awareness event. It aims to remind farmers of good practice through practical demonstrations and will provide an opportunity for the industry to get together and share their experiences.

The event, next Tuesday (7 July) at Blackness Pier, Scalloway, is being organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Northern Lighthouse Board, RNLI and other members of the Scottish Aquaculture Industry Forum. It begins with registration at 10:30 and will enable those working in the aquaculture industry to identify common workplace hazards and precautions. It follows the success of a similar event held in Oban earlier this year.

Qualified instructors and experienced personnel from a range of organisations will present practical demonstrations on how to avoid the most common causes of accidents and ill health arising in aquaculture and other marine activities. These include:

• Marine cranes and lifting equipment
• Safe Entry into confined spaces
• Fork lift truck/ transport issues
• Manual handling
• Lifejackets
• Life rafts and flares
• Cold shock.

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. Within this industry, since 2000, HSE has investigated four cases of drowning and is at present looking into a double fatality involving a confined space.

"The event in Oban was well received and I have been extremely encouraged by the enthusiasm and assistance given by Shetland organisations to ensure a similar event is held here. It clearly demonstrates the industry's real desire to protect its workforce and improve standards. With support of the Shetland Islands Council, NAFC, and Shetland Aquaculture and its members, I hope that this new joint initiative can become a regular occurrence."

William Forsyth of MCA said:

"This safety event is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's ongoing accident prevention strategy to minimise accidents to seafarers. Working with other maritime stakeholders and encouraged by the positive attitude of the aquaculture industry we look forward to delivering important safety guidance.

"Since September 2007 the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, has started three investigations into accidents in which six seafarers have died in enclosed or confined spaces."

Director of the NAFC Marine Centre, Professor David Gray, added:

"The sea surrounding Shetland is an important and valuable economic resource but it also brings constant concerns for the safety of those working in the marine environment.

"We are delighted to support an event that is critical to minimising the risk for all those who work in the aquaculture sector and I would encourage everyone involved in the industry to attend."

The event is free, although places are limited and by invitation only. Anyone wishing to book a place should contact Anne-lise at Shetland Aquaculture at: www.shetlandaquaculture.com.

Notes to editors

1. Scottish Aquaculture Industry Forum is a liaison group whose members include fish farming businesses, HSE, MCA, NLB, the Crown Estate, Scottish Government and SEPA.

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Scotland.