London — Ocean workers report being harmed on the job more commonly than workers in other industries, and they’re less likely to receive safety and health training or report their injuries to their employer, according to a new report from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
In partnership with management consulting and research company Gallup, the independent safety charity examined 2023 data from the World Risk Poll. They found that 1 out of 4 ocean workers – people who work “on or near water” – reported experiencing harm in the past two years, compared with 18% of all other workers. Construction (22%) and mining/quarrying (21%) were the only other sectors above 20%.
Other highlights of the report:
- Only 32% of the ocean workers had received safety and health training in their current role, compared with 38% of other workers.
- Just over half (51%) of all other workers were likely to tell someone about their workplace injury, while only 41% of the ocean workers said they would.
- Among the ocean workers, 9% view work-related incidents as their greatest source of daily risk, compared with 3% of all other workers.
Included in the report are eight “calls to action” to help protect ocean workers. Among them:
- Prioritize targeted OSH training and ensure it’s viewed as a continuous process instead of a one-off event.
- Develop and enforce strong safety standards designed for the unique challenges of working on or near the water.
- Strengthen mental health support and well-being services for offshore and remote maritime workers dealing with isolation, fatigue and emotional strain.
