Occupational health and safety in Norwegian aquaculture - National profile for a FAO report on global aquaculture OHS

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are gathering an overview of the global, regional and national terrain of aquaculture/fish farming occupational health and safety and related social and welfare impacts. This report is Norway's national profile and presents the status of occupational health, safety management and challenges in the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Farmed Atlantic salmon and trout amount to 99.6 percent of the total aquaculture production. Being a fish farmer is the 2nd most risk exposed occupation in Norway. Occupational injuries as well as musculoskeletal problems are the most common reasons for both sick leave and worry amongst employees. Working life in the Norwegian aquaculture industry is regulated by the Working Environment Act. The "Norwegian model" is based on the idea that we can unite value creation and competitive power with social equality and welfare. Safety work has improved considerably since the 1990's. Future research may include a thorough evaluation of preventive measures for the improvements of OHS in the Norwegian aquaculture sector.