It is fact that Alaskan fishermen face harsh working conditions and there are fishing liabilities that has been answered through Jones Act which hold employers accountable for negligent practices which lead to worker injury. Commercial fishing generates $4.4 billion in revenue each year and is performed off every coast in America.
In a study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which explores the dangerous conditions that Alaskan commercial fisherman face and sobering related occupational health statistics. Alaska fishermen are facing hars weather conditions while on fishing and they are required to work with and around dangerous machinery that is used to haul up catches of fish.
Between 2000 and 2009, 133 fishermen lost their lives on the job, an average rate of 13 people per year. Most fatalities were caused by disasters that forced the crew to abandon the ship, falls overboard or onboard accidents. In most cases it was found that the injuries to fishermen were caused by the machinery or other gear used on vessels. Fortunately, fishermen who are injured on the job are often able to hold their employers accountable.
