The importance of common sense: How Norwegian coastal fishermen deal with occupational risk

Trine Thorvaldsen

Marine Policy, 2013, vol. 42, issue C, 85-90

Abstract: Due to a high number of fatalities and personal injuries, commercial fishing is considered a risky occupation. In the Norwegian context, work-related fatalities have been especially prominent in the coastal fleet. Despite high statistical risk, many fishermen claim they do not worry about their work being dangerous. Applying a qualitative approach, this article argues that shared beliefs and practices such as common sense, taking precautions, evaluating risk as well as relying on each other through cooperation on board and amongst vessels, can be understood as integrated or institutionalized ways of dealing with potential risk. These elements interact with the individual's personal experiences, and influence the fishermen's perceptions of the dangers at hand. The points presented here, may be a part of the reason why fishermen do not necessarily see the need for formal regulations aimed at improving their safety.

Keywords: Commercial fishing; Risk perception; Safety; Culture; Qualitative methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:marpol:v:42:y:2013:i:c:p:85-90

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2013.02.007

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