What happened
“I work in drug and alcohol testing and was moved by a media article on the death of a fisher, due to alcohol consumption, in the Northern Territory. After having a long drinking session onshore between shifts, a fisher slipped while attempting to jump from a barge to the wharf, hit his head, and drowned. The young man left behind a wife and children. I am passionate about improving workplace procedures within the seafood industry and raising awareness of the dangers of alcohol in the fishing sector.”
When operators introduce policies and procedures, such as regular drug and alcohol testing, and onsite training for the dangers of alcohol in or near workplaces, lives could be saved. Change tends to be a slow process, but the rewards are safer work environments and better productivity.
tips and tools
Crew members must be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding drug and alcohol use onboard vessels. Vessels should create drug and alcohol policies that include regular crew testing and create a culture of safety and accountability. A drug and alcohol policy should include a risk assessment for the hazards of drug and alcohol use and be developed in consultation with all crew members. It is also important that crew members are trained and educated on the risks of drug and alcohol use, as well as the factors that can increase their usage. Lifestyle factors such as grief, trauma and stress can also result in high or excessive use of drugs and alcohol. To reduce this, vessels should additionally emphasise a workplace culture that promotes the importance of mental health. Crew members should be trained to understand the signs and risk factors leading to poor mental health, and ways in which these can be alleviated, including stress management. Crew should be encouraged to look out for one another and start a conversation with those who are showing signs of poor mental health. It is also important to understand that poor mental health and physical health are often intertwined, as well as understanding the impacts of trauma.
Resources:
- Stay Afloat signs of stress and tips
- Stay Afloat guide to approaching workmates
- Stay Afloat guide to depression and anxiety
- StayAfloat guide to fatigue and rest
- Stay Afloat trauma factsheet
- Stay Afloat guide to managing stress, including self-assessment