Commercial Fishing Safety

Commercial fishing is a vital industry that provides food for people in the U.S. and around the world. In Oregon and Washington, there are 10,364 commercial fishing vessels with $835,670 dollars in sales per year. Commercial fishing can be physically demanding, involving long hours, harsh weather, and changing work environments. All of these factors can create safety risks for fishermen. PNASH collaborates with Oregon State University to engage commercial fishermen to reduce the risk of injury and keep them fishing.
Our current project is the Fishermen Led Injury Prevention Program (FLIPP) for Lifejackets Mobile Program. See below to view our other research and resources to improve safety in commercial fishing.
Commercial Fishermen’s First-Aid Kit
Every vessel must have a first-aid kit, and every fisherman should know what should go into a kit that will really help in situations they might find themselves in at sea. These resources were developed by the Fishermen Led Injury Prevention Program (FLIPP) led by Oregon State University.
- The Commercial Fishermen’s Guide to Building First-Aid Kits
- What's in a Commercial Fishermen's First-Aid Kit?
- First-Aid Kit Flash Cards
Commercial Fishing Crew Agreements
Commercial fishermen think a good crew agreement can help reduce the risk of injuries and establish a positive relationship among the crew. Understand what goes into a good crew agreement and use the template (either paper version or an online version) to help you get this in place with your crews. These resources were developed by the Fishermen Lead Injury Prevention Program (FLIPP) led by Oregon State University.
- Top Ten Items for An Effective Crew Agreement
- Printable Version of a Crew Agreement
- Online Version of a Crew Agreement
Regional and National Resources
PNASH Resources
FLIPP First Aid Kit List
This is a list of items that is needed in a comprehensive first aid kit, recommended by safety professionals.
FLIPP Guide to Building a First Aid Kit
This guide helps create first aid kit that suite specific needs and situations which may arise while out at sea.
Fishing Hazard Sheet
This resource helps fishermen assess and control tasks with potential hazards through elimination, substitution, or use of provide personal protective equipment.
PNASH Research
Non-Fatal Injuries among Commercial Fishing Workers in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon
PNASH Pilot Project 2014-2015 | Laurel Kincl, PhD, MS
Learn moreTotal Worker Health in Salmon Fishermen from Cordova, Alaska
PNASH Pilot Project 2014-2015 | Debra Cherry, MD, MS
Learn moreDevelopment of a Surveillance Strategy to Guide Injury Prevention Efforts in the Washington Commercial Fishing Industry
WA State MAAF 2011-2013 | June Spector, MD, MPH
Learn more


