A Review of Health and Safety Issues in Mariculture Industry in Greece

Abstract

Aims: To review the trend of occupational accidents and fatality in Greek Marine fish farms. Study Design: Data on the occupational accidents in the Greek Mariculture industry are reviewed and compared with Occupational Accidents in Greece and in Europe. Place and Duration of Study: Greece between 2009 and 2011. Methodology: The study was carried out using reported data for occupational accidents from the ESAW 2001 (Eurostat, European statistics for accidents at work) and the Hellenic Labor Inspection Body (SEPE) and was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistcs. Results: The data presented in the study indicate that compared to other business sectors, workers of the Mari culture industry in Greece are exposed to higher risk of occupational accidents. The majority of accidents are attributed to slips and trips (39%) whereas in the general populaton of workers the majority of occupational accidents are associated with handling of objects (23%). Greek Aquaculture as a whole represents less than 2 per thousand of the total work force, 3 per thousand of all serious injuries and 16 per thousand of fatal injuries during 2009-2011. Conclusion: The adoption of a campaign aiming in providing information to all stakeholders for practical steps which can prevent occupational accidents in the sector is urgently required. There are some examples in this matter which can be seen in the Aquaculture industries in other countries. The provision of health and training programs and generally the creation and maintenance of a healthy working environment is urgently required to prevent occupational accidents in the Greek Mari culture industry.