Matthew Duffy, executive director of Fish Safe NS, wearing a PFD, while speaking with Stuart MacLean, CEO of Workers' Compensation Board Nova Scotia, during a past safety demonstration for the fishing industry. CONTRIBUTEDSOUTHWESTERN, NS – Investments in safety are paying off in more ways than one on land and at sea for the Nova Scotia fishing industry.
“It goes to show where money can be saved in the industry when you invest in safety,” Duffy says. “Yes, there are upfront costs in investing in safety; buying safety equipment for the boat and taking those courses, but at the end of the day it pays off in the long run.” Duffy says the professionalization of the industry has grown and the overall safety culture of the industry is better.
As for workplace injuries, Duffy says one of the most common injuries seen in the fisheries are musculoskeletal injuries , which are directly linked to improper lifting.