Int Marit Health. 2026;77(1):23-30. doi: 10.5603/imh.106749.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Commercial fishing remains one of the most hazardous occupations globally, with smallscale fleets exhibiting persistent safety challenges. In Türkiye, fishing operations are characterized by low regulatory compliance, insufficient training, and fatigue-related risks.
OBJECTIVES: This study assessed occupational health and safety (OHS) compliance levels among Turkish fishing vessel crews and identified key predictors of safety outcomes across vessel size categories.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted (June-August 2018) across Türkiye’s Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea regions, involving 356 crew members from 180 vessels. Data collection included structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and interviews. Analyses employed descriptive statistics, χ² tests, independent t-tests, and multiple linear regression (SPSS v26).
RESULTS: Of all participants, 38.8% reported at least one occupational accident in the past year. The most frequent injuries were cuts (12.9%), falls (9.3%), and equipment-related trauma (5.9%). The main contributing factors were the hasty work pace in the workplace (52.2%), inadequate training (28.9%), and fatigue due to long working hours (19.0%). PPE compliance was low at 18%, and only 27% of participants had received formal safety training. A significant association was found between vessel size and accident occurrence (χ² = 12.45, p = 0.002), with smaller vessels having a significantly higher accident risk than larger vessels. Workers involved in accidents reported longer working hours (M = 14.3, SD = 1.8) than their counterparts (M = 13.1, SD = 2.2; p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified formal training (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), education level (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), and vessel size (β = 0.14, p = 0.01) as significant predictors of OHS compliance (R² = 0.29).
CONCLUSIONS: Occupational health and safety compliance in Türkiye’s fishing sector remains inadequate, particularly for small-scale vessels. Prioritizing training expansion, work-hour regulations, and targeted support for high-risk fleets is essential.
PMID:41914192 | DOI:10.5603/imh.106749
