THE WA Commission for Occupational Safety and Health has called for public comment on a proposed code of practice on man overboard incidents.
According the Commission, the draft code looks at ways to address the risks associated with accidental falls from commercial fishing vessels. It covers both the prevention of falls and the emergency responses if a man overboard incident occurs.
Commercial fishing has traditionally been a high risk occupation, with the WA fishing industry having had 44 deaths since 1988.
In particular, there has been a rising number of deaths from man overboard incidents. Man overboard deaths are categorised into types which no one sees, and falls during the course of work.
The draft will aim to have both preventative measures in place, as well as quick and effective systems to rescue anyone who has fallen overboard. These systems include having effective emergency equipment at hand and ensuring that everyone on board is adequately trained and knows what to do in an emergency.
Other safety products include inflatable personal flotation devices, man overboard alarm systems and personal beacons.
Comments on the draft code can be submitted in person or via post, e-mail or fax by 27 November 2009.
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