By Margaret Bauman
margie@maritimepublishing.com
Harvesting commercial seafood on the coastal waters of Alaska demands physical and mental fitness to begin with, and the rougher the weather, the more important it is to be ready to handle whatever the job demands.
The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety (NEC) in Cooperstown, N.Y., describes commercial fishing as a stressful, dangerous occupation. Injuries, chronic pain, sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression and other stressors are common, and research has concluded that fishermen are four times more likely to die from a drug overdose and 16 times more likely to die by suicide than the average person.
An NEC study found that post-traumatic stress disorder rates in commercial fishermen are three times higher than the national average for men. The center’s advice to fishermen: invest in your mental health as you would invest in your gear.
Top health and wellness concerns for fishermen mental health, physical health, diet and exercise, muscular, skeletal and ergonomic issues, sleep, a supportive home life and addictions, according to Jerry Dzugan, who has been with the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) in Sitka for 35 years.
The stress of commercial fishing can affect one’s sleep and mental and physical health, including the heart, Dzugan said. Crew members can be unpleasant, disagreeable and refuse to interact with other crew members. Finding good crew itself is a big problem nationwide, because people don’t have the necessary life skills.
“They can’t even tie knots. They don’t listen to you. They don’t pay attention,” Dzugan said.
Concern over health issues prompted AMSEA to collaborate with NEC and Oregon State University to conduct a survey that included interviews with and physical assessments of commercial fishermen.
The good news is there are a lot of things fishermen can do to achieve or stay in good physical and mental health, while finding sources of information for various health issues.
AMSEA offers a variety of training courses for commercial fishermen, including instructing trainers who can then provide their own classes on everything from ergonomics to first aid to safety drills and firefighting on board.
Information about these courses and a place to sign up are on the AMSEA website, www.amsea.org.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics training, which Dzugan has taught for years, is the science of adapting workstations, tools, equipment and work methods for more efficient, comfortable and error-free use.
While there are inherent risks in commercial fishing, from weather to gear handling, the routine work involved in commercial fishing puts the human body at risk. Repetitive motion strain on the back, for instance, from lifting and other forces, causes injury over time, AMSEA notes.
Classes in ergonomics, including online, teach safety practices and routine exercises to help reduce the risks of strains, sprains and pains.
The Pocket Guide to Ergonomics on AMSEA’s website can be downloaded at no cost. The guide recommends stretching as a regular part of one’s daily routine all year long, particularly six weeks before the fishing season.
During the season, harvesters are advised to develop their own 2-5-minute exercise routine to warm-up before going on deck. Stretching helps put more oxygen in the blood, makes the body more flexible and agile, and the mind more alert and productive.
Helpful hints to avoid strain to the back, for example, include keeping the body upright as much as possible, keeping the load to be lifted close to the body and tightening the stomach muscles and exhaling when lifting. But also this—asking for help moving heavy objects.
To prevent shoulder problems, the guide recommends avoiding work at or above shoulder level, or again, asking for help. If none is available, keep shoulders square and the back rolled. Also do exercises for the shoulders and mid-back.
For carpal tunnel syndrome, with symptoms from cramping to numbness to burning pain, the guide recommends stopping the repetitive activity causing the issue, doing exercises in the guide, wearing splits and keeping warm. As far as medical attention, seek Cortisone shots, vitamin B-6 or anti-inflammatories like aspirin. If necessary, surgery is an option.
Diet
A healthy diet is important for fishermen. Avoid junk food, eat more complex carbohydrates (beans, vegetables, fruits and whole grains), and look for energy bars with the least amount of sugar and more protein, Dzugan advised.
“The older you get the more protein you need,” he said.
NEC collaborates with fishing organizations and communities to develop solutions to keep fishermen safe and well at work. The NEC section on safety gear includes a hearing, eye and chemical protection catalog.
NEC also provides online information on dealing with anxiety and depression, via the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
“There is no right way to handle trauma,” writes ADAA’s Debra Kissen. “Each individual moves at their own speed and has their own readiness to confront pain and suffering.”
While there’s no one way to heal from trauma, the good news is that the intensity of emotional pain always lessens with time, she said.
Kissen also notes that the main difference between PSTD and experiencing trauma is that a traumatic event is time-based, while PSTD is a longer-term condition. One continues to have flashbacks and hearkening back to the traumatic event. To meet the criteria for PTSD, there must be a high level of ongoing distress and life impairment, she said.
Finally, on the issue of addiction, remember the U.S. Coast Guard advisory that a vessel’s voyage may be terminated for instability. Operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
For those dealing with substance abuse issues, Dzugan recommends StartYourRecovery.org, a website with topics ranging from substance use to signs and risks factors to treatment and recovery. The site includes links to rehabilitation centers, counseling and support groups.