Lobster fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia are reminded to make safety a priority during this year’s fishing season.
It begins on Monday, Nov. 26, and is known as Dumping Day in communities along the south and western shores.
“Fishing is a safer profession today than it was a decade ago, but it remains a dangerous and demanding job,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. “I want to thank those who have taken positive steps to improve their own safety and the safety of those aboard their vessels and wish all the fishermen in southwestern Nova Scotia a safe and successful season.”
To stay safe during the season, fishermen should:
- wear a personal flotation device and make personal flotation devices mandatory on their boats
- monitor weather before heading out for the day
- regularly examine their safety gear and that of others on board
- assess their boats in advance, and stay on the lookout for potential hazards while working
- be prepared for emergencies
“The fishing industry has many safety champions who work hard every day to keep people safe at sea,” said Amanda Dedrick, executive director, Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia. “We share the same goal to make sure the men and women who leave the wharfs on Dumping Day make it home safely to their families.”
This fall, WCB Nova Scotia and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education partnered on a media campaign reminding captains and crews about the important role personal flotation devices play in helping fishermen come home to the people who care about them. It is part of a broader awareness campaign reminding Nova Scotians of the importance of working safely.
Occupational health and safety officers have also increased their presence at wharfs on the South Shore and the Annapolis Valley, promoting safety and taking action to support compliance.
The Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia provides safety resources and training throughout the province, including man overboard drills.
The safety association, along with the Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council and numerous fishermen, family members, and public sector representatives continue to meet regularly and work together to implement the recommendations outlined in Fishing Safety Now, the fishing safety plan by and for the industry that was launched in 2015.
For more information about fishing safety, including resources and training, visit fisheriessafety.ca.
Source: Release