Source: NOAA Fisheries and Bureau of Labor Statistics
Fishing
Industry Overview
The Northeast Center works with fishermen and fishing organizations to develop solutions to keep them safe and well at work. We believe the best solutions come from collaborating with fishermen and their communities. The sustainability of the industry depends on many things, including its workers.

The Catch
What these industry numbers don’t tell are the human stories—the dedication, sacrifice, stress, toll on the body and even loss of life of those who make their living from the sea. From 2000 to 2017, commercial fishermen died on the job at a rate of 114 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. That’s 28.5 times higher than the average on-the-job fatality rate for U.S. workers. Fisheries workers also suffer from higher rates of injury, hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders than those in other industries.
Fishing Forward Podcast
Fishing Forward is a podcast inspired by fishermen, for fishermen, with a focus on health, safety, and staying shipshape in the commercial fishing industry. Fishing Forward is funded by The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety and produced by the team at Coastal Routes Radio at the University of Guelph and Dalhousie University in Canada.
“My life is my health is my life”
Anonymous
Fisherman
News & Media
Grain Bin Safety Week – February 19-25, 2023
When someone becomes helplessly engulfed in grain, rural firefighters are often the first and only line of defense. Unfortunately, many departments lack the specialized techniques
Farm-related deaths down in New York state
The rate of farm-related fatalities in New York may be gradually decreasing, according to the New York State Agricultural Fatality Report: 2019-2021, released by the
Be safe. Be seen in hi-vis vests.
As things get busy this spring, staying safe around farm equipment is an important topic to discuss with employees, new or experienced. Actions, however, can
Study on sleep & health in commercial fishing gets featured by Alaska broadcaster
Northeast Center Director Julie Sorensen interviews with KFSK media in Petersburg, AK on the subject of sleep and health in the fishing industry during a
Stay Safe. Stay Informed.
Join the Northeast Center mailing list by subscribing below.
Ask Our Information Specialist
Have a question for the Northeast Center team? We are ready to answer them! Use the contact button to reach out to a Northeast Center Information Specialist.