Occupational safety in aquaculture – Part 1: Injuries in Norway

This article presents an overview of reported injuries in the Norwegian aquaculture industry focusing on the production of Atlantic salmon and trout, which dominates the fish farming industry in Norway. Two different data sets form the basis for the analysis: (i) occupational injuries reported to the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration, and (ii) serious occupational injuries reported to the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority. The data sets on occupational injuries and serious injuries provide information about mode of injury, type of injury, affected body parts, and time of year of the reported injuries. The results and the injury trends are analyzed and discussed in light of important characteristics and changes in the Norwegian fish farming industry, including underreporting. This information is useful in safety management and for allocating resources for risk-reducing measures.