Manual handling and ergonomic strain are common everyday risks that can slowly affect health, productivity, and the ability of people to stay in seafood work. These hazards often come from repetitive tasks done many times each trip, such as hauling and sorting catch, lifting bins and boxes, moving gear, dragging lines, working in awkward positions on unstable decks, and gripping tightly in wet and cold conditions.

The risk builds over time. Many injuries develop gradually as pain, strain, or loss of movement rather than from a single event, so they are often ignored until they become long term problems or lead to time away from work.

Ergonomic strain is closely linked to fatigue and slips and falls, as tired and sore bodies move differently, react more slowly, and are more likely to make mistakes when conditions worsen.

This area also shows how well work is designed to suit people. Strong safety practice focuses on reducing physical strain, rather than expecting workers to carry the long term physical cost of the job.