A recent survey conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sheds light on the concerns and challenges faced by workers in the aquaculture sector. With 1,283 respondents from a sector that employs 7,000 individuals, the findings highlight a significant level of anxiety among workers, driven by both near misses and the looming threat of strain injuries.

Of the respondents, 62% reported experiencing “near misses” in the past two years, emphasizing the inherent risks associated with the aquaculture industry. Researchers focused on occupational safety have delved into the survey results to identify areas of concern within a sector known for its statistically high risk of injury.

The most pressing issue, according to the survey, is the prevalence of strain injuries among aquaculture sector workers. Of the 62% worried about the negative impact of their working conditions on their health, 33% attributed their concerns to potential accidents. An overwhelming 47% identified strain injuries as the greatest threat, often arising from activities involving bending or twisting of the upper body, heavy lifting, and repetitive tasks—common ergonomic risk factors associated with traditional operations in the aquaculture sector.

The survey also unveiled a stark reality: half of the respondents had been absent from work due to illness or injury in the past twelve months. Notably, 17% of these cases were attributed to work-related factors, with 42% of affected workers absent for six weeks or more. The findings raise concerns about the overall health and safety conditions within the sector.

A broader analysis of occupational accident statistics supports these concerns. The aquaculture sector exhibits high rates of work-related injuries and fatalities compared to other industries. Over the period from 2011 to 2022, the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority recorded more than 34 accidents per year, with falls, collisions with objects, and crushing/trapping accidents being the most commonly reported incidents.

Despite these alarming statistics, the survey also revealed a somewhat surprising aspect—88% of respondents expressed high job satisfaction, highlighting a paradoxical relationship between worker contentment and the evident challenges in the sector.

Responses to the survey shed light on the intertwined nature of safety, regulatory frameworks, organization, and management within the aquaculture industry. Notably, 29% of respondents felt that production considerations took precedence over safety, while 30% were uncomfortable reporting breaches in safety regulations. Additionally, 22% admitted to occasionally feeling pressured to work in ways that jeopardized their safety, and 16% experienced group pressure to defy safety advice.