WCB highlights drop in injury rate as province marked dumping day on Monday
The lobster fishing season kicked off with Dumping Day on Monday. That has industry leaders and safety advocates highlighting progress in reducing workplace injuries while acknowledging ongoing risks in one of Canada's most dangerous occupations.
Transformative decline in maritime workplace injuries
Nova Scotia’s fishing sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past five years. The injury rate in saltwater fishing has declined substantially, driven by collaborative efforts among fishermen, employers, safety organizations, and government agencies. This shift represents a departure from the industry's historically dangerous reputation, where workplace injuries and fatalities were frequent occurrences.
"The injury rate in saltwater fishing has declined around 45% in Nova Scotia," said Karen Adams, CEO of WCB Nova Scotia, noting the metric is measured as injuries per 100 workers, dropping from 1.73 to 0.95 over the five-year period.
Despite these advances, safety remains paramount as crews prepare for what is traditionally one of the province's most physically demanding seasons, and a sad reminder of the dangers of the profession is approaching. December 15 will mark the five year anniversary of the sinking of the Chief William Saulis in the Bay of Fundy. Six fishermen lost their lives in that tragedy. "Every injury is preventable and every fatality is a tragedy," said Adams, as she stressed the moral imperative behind prevention efforts. "But at least we are getting better over time."
The progress reflects contributions from multiple stakeholders. Fishers themselves have embraced personal flotation devices (PFDs) as standard practice, while employers have implemented regular safety training and emergency drills. Safety associations like Fish Safe Nova Scotia have worked to reinforce standards across the industry, and WCB Nova Scotia's prevention mandate has prioritized awareness and education across all high-risk sectors.
Mike Murphy, president of Mersey Seafoods Limited, one of Atlantic Canada's largest privately owned seafood companies, underscored the industry's commitment to ongoing vigilance. "Safety at sea is not just a priority – it's a core value for Mersey Seafoods, Fisherman's Market, and the entire Mersey Group," Murphy said. "Everyone deserves to return home safely, and we encourage crews to keep safety top of mind throughout the season. Take time to check your safety equipment, practice emergency drills, and wear your PFD."
Persistent risks and the road ahead
However, challenges persist. Two fishing workers have lost their lives in Nova Scotia so far this year, underscoring the need for sustained focus on safety practices and equipment. Beyond physical hazards such as vessel stability and fire prevention, mental health and psychological well-being have emerged as critical factors in preventing workplace injuries and fatalities at sea.
Fish Safe Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening safety in the province's seafood industry, frames Dumping Day within a broader human context. Richard MacLean, executive director of Fish Safe Nova Scotia, reflected on the day's significance: "Dumping Day is more than the start of the season. It's the moment families watch from the shore and hope for safe returns. Every boat that leaves the wharf carries not just traps and gear, but the expectations of loved ones waiting at home."
WCB Nova Scotia continues to focus on a comprehensive approach to workplace safety that addresses both physical and psychological dimensions of occupational health. The organization is set to launch its Safer Workplaces Together initiative later this month in partnership with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, aiming to strengthen safety practices across Nova Scotia's highest-risk industries.
For health and safety leaders monitoring workplace performance across sectors, the fishing industry's progress offers both a success story and a cautionary reminder. While collaborative safety efforts have yielded measurable improvements, the persistent risks inherent in maritime work demand ongoing vigilance, education, and investment in prevention.
