Fishing is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable and rewarding hobbies, but let’s be honest – it’s not all smooth sailing! In the pursuit of landing that prized fish, we sometimes forget that fishing can come with its fair share of risks and potential injuries. But fear not! This blog is here to arm you with essential knowledge on common fishing injuries, valuable tips to steer clear of them, and even the possibility of getting compensation if the unexpected occurs. If you or a loved one was injured during your fishing trip, contact legal aid from competent platforms like https://naylorlaw.com to get a case assessment and learn about the potential settlement process.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newbie dipping your toes into the fishing world, you must know the potential risks lurking beneath the shimmering surface. There’s no shortage of potential pitfalls, from hook mishaps and slippery decks to overexertion and sunburns. But don’t let that scare you away from your angling adventures. Instead, let’s dive deep into how we can protect ourselves and our fishing buddies.
5 Commonly Reported Fishing Injuries And How to Avoid Them
- Slipping and falling: Wet footwear or even a wet dock or boat deck combined can create a scenario of slip or fall. A slippery surface makes it difficult to find a grip and stabilize oneself, often resulting in falls. While there’s a chance the fall can be minor and only require an ointment application for pain relief. Some falls can be extreme and might end up causing. Trauma like fracture, dislocation, and in unfortunate cases, death.
- Equipment-related injuries: Fishing is a vast field, dealing with different types of equipment depending on the job. Unfortunately, accidents due to equipment over the years have become increasingly common in the US. While fish hooks are a common reason for minor injuries, propellers in powered fishing boats are among the common sources of injuries.
- Injuries related to constant use of limbs: Fishing requires continuous use of the body on an all-round basis. This makes certain body parts vulnerable to conditions, including tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendinitis or ligament tears. These are also known as overuse injuries. These conditions are commonly observed in people regularly involved in fishing jobs.
- Sprains and strains: Fishing is a high-endurance job. It requires constant movements and load handling, making the joints susceptible to sprains and strains. The back, shoulders, knees, and arms are often vulnerable. Slip Disc, spondylitis, and muscle tears are common fishermen injuries that happen due to the handling of weights.
How to Avoid Fishing Injuries
Staying safe at the workplace is crucial to prevent injuries and have a healthy working experience. Being aware of your surroundings tops the list, however here are a few more tips you can take care of while working on the deck:
- Wear appropriate clothing: Wearing regular clothing to the boat or decks removes a layer of protection. It is highly recommended to wear a life jacket when working around water. Safety gloves, boots, and helmets are also gears a fisherman must always wear. Safety goggles are also a must-have, protecting your eyes from salt in the water, the sun, and any chemical exposure. Regardless of experience, this equipment ensures you are safe, and injuries do not cause severe trauma.
- Keep your boots clean and in shape: As a fisherman is always on their toes, having them cleaned and in shape is paramount to preventing cases of falls and slips. Additionally, invest in high-quality safety shoes designed to meet industry standards.
- Adjust your clothing to meet the weather: Based on the workplace, a worker must wear appropriate clothing that keeps them guarded against the weather. Investing in high-quality clothing is always highly recommended as they protect against the weather and keep one safe against rain, storms, and extreme heat.
Getting Compensation for Fishing Injuries
Many maritime lawyers can help with claims related to fishing injuries. Finding a lawyer to represent your case should be easy. Fishing accidents are sadly more common than one can anticipate. While lawyers can help with hassle-free claim settlement and compensation, professional help ensures you take the right steps and get advice in your best interest only.
