Occupational Health Hazard and Safety Assessment of Fishermen Community in Coastal Zone of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the occupational health hazard and safety of Boga fishermen community in Kachua Upazila of Bagerhat district. All types of primary data and information were collected through household questionnaire survey, group discussion and local leader interview. Published journal paper, conference paper, books and news article are the secondary data sources for the research. Tropical cyclone is the severe most hazards during fishing because it acts like extreme life threatening event in the deep sea. The study founds that they face some physical problems during fishing like dizziness, vomit, fever, abdominal pain, acidity and dehydration. Traditionally they are practicing a few safety measures like carrying medicine for temporary health problems and carrying lifebuoy, life jacket, raincoat etcetera for ensuring protection from natural hazards which are not sufficient according to their occupation. Majority of the total fishermen did not take any training program ever on their occupational activities where only minority of fishermen have taken by the Upazila fisheries office. The Government and different NGO of Bangladesh are trying to help the fishermen community for their health safety but it is not well enough for enhancing their health safety. The knowledge gap of the fishermen and insufficient material support are the main constraints for their health/life safety.