A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the mortality patterns of Danish merchant seamen in the period 1970-1985. The population census in 1970 in Denmark was the source of information on individual occupation, age, and marital status. All men aged 20-64 years and economically active in 1970 were included. Computerized linkage with the Danish Mortality Register gave information about the deceased persons' date and cause of death. An increased overall mortality among all groups of seamen was found, being highest for deck and engine crew members. The overall mortality was strongly dependent on age and marital status. The highest mortality rate ratios (MRR) were found among young seamen and unmarried seamen. MRRs of 1.90 and 2.47 for cancer of the respiratory system were found among engine officers and crew. The MRRs for accidents and suicide were increased for all seamen, and were highest for crew members, among whom the MRR from accidents was stable within age groups but fell for suicide with increasing age. The same pattern was found with cirrhosis of the liver, although this was positively associated with increasing age. Excess mortality from ischemic heart disease was only found among engine crew (MRR = 1.43). This study confirms earlier findings of high mortality among seafarers. Negative selection into the occupation, occupational environmental factors, and lack of health and safety promotion programs and education could be causes of the high mortality.

The overall fatal injury rates in the European and North American studies decreased by around 50% most probably as result of the implemented safety programs. However the high risk in fishing compared to onshore workers calls for continued and intensified safety programs.

No abstract

A one-year retrospective study among Danish commercial fishermen revealed that the overall rate of injury was 20.4 per 100 persons per year. There were no significant differences in injury rates related to age. The overall rates of injury related to the different types of vessels-trawlers, gill-netters and Danish seiners-did differ statistically when the number of man-days at sea was taken into account. There was, however, a significant increase in the number of injuries on trawlers over 100 gross register tons. The overall number of days lost due to injury among all fisherman was 47 days per 1,000 days at sea. The highest number of days lost for work was on trawlers of 100-199 gross register tonnage. Preventive measures should be implemented in all age groups and in all the main types of fishing vessels.

There was no evidence that long working hours alone resulted in higher injury rates. Low self-perceived health, lack of use of personal protection and lack of occupational safety on board were significantly related to an increase in the injury risk.