The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

3055.0: Monday, November 11, 2002 - 9:06 AM

Abstract #48832

Drowning at work: Not just fishers

Janice Anne Windau, MS, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Room 3180, Washington, DC 20212, (202) 691-6160, Windau_J@bls.gov

Each year, approximately 200 workers drown while at work. Much has been written lately about fishers who drown at sea. However, less has been written about workers in other occupations who drown while on the job.

Commercial fishing accounted for about one third to one quarter of the work-related drownings annually, between 1992-2000. Drowning victims also included workers in transportation and material moving occupations, commercial diving, construction, agriculture, amusement and recreational services, and public safety. These workers died under diverse circumstances while performing a myriad of job duties in a variety of water-related settings. Water vessel casualties, falls from ships or docks, diving, and even highway and farm vehicle overturns resulted in large numbers of worker deaths.

This presentation will discuss the circumstances surrounding the drowning, work activity performed at the time and other contributing factors, location of the incident, and demographic characteristics of the drowning victim.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Occupational Injury and Death, Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bureau of Labor Statistics
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment

A New Look at Some Workplace Hazards

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA