TLE 8 AFA W4D2: Occupational Safety and Health (Cont.)

🎯 Learning Goals

Day 2 – Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

1. Differentiate the categories of natural hazards in fisheries and aquaculture.
2. Describe the effects of manmade hazards on workers, aquatic resources, and the environment.
3. Propose basic preventive measures to reduce the risks of hazards in fisheries work.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

Day 2 – Key Ideas & Terms

• Accident – An unexpected event that may cause harm, injury, or damage.
• Anthropogenic Hazard – Hazards that originate from human activity, negligence, or mismanagement.
• Aquatic Pollution – The introduction of harmful substances into bodies of water that negatively affect organisms and ecosystems.
• Climate Change – Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns that can impact aquaculture and fisheries.
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) – Actions taken to minimize damage from hazards and disasters.
• El Niño – A climate pattern marked by warming of surface ocean waters, often causing droughts or floods in aquaculture areas.
• Incident – An event that may or may not result in harm, but signals the presence of hazards.
• Occupational Hazard – Any factor in the workplace that can cause harm or adverse effects.
• Risk Assessment – The process of identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and deciding how to manage them.
• Tsunami – A series of ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, posing a threat to coastal aquaculture.

🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge

Quick Recall: Multiple Choice
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which hazard is considered anthropogenic?
   a) Typhoon
   b) Tsunami
   c) Oil spill from a ship
   d) Drought
2. What does El Niño usually cause in fisheries?
   a) More fish production
   b) Normal water conditions
   c) Droughts or heavy rains
   d) Reduced fuel costs
3. A sudden rise of ocean waves caused by an earthquake is called:
   a) Cyclone
   b) Tsunami
   c) Flood
   d) Climate change
4. Which process involves identifying and evaluating workplace hazards?
   a) Risk assessment
   b) Aquatic pollution
   c) Incident reporting
   d) Disaster Risk Reduction
5. A worker notices cracks in the fishpond dike after a storm. This is an example of:
   a) Accident
   b) Incident
   c) Pollution
   d) Psychosocial hazard

Show Answer

1. c) Oil spill from a ship
2. c) Droughts or heavy rains
3. b) Tsunami
4. a) Risk assessment
5. b) Incident

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Prior Knowledge Check (Think-Pair-Share)

1. Have you or your family ever experienced a typhoon, flood, or drought that affected food supply or fishing?
2. What possible dangers do you think climate change can bring to aquaculture?
3. Why should we study both natural and manmade hazards when learning about fisheries?

Show Answer

1. (Answers vary; ex: floods damaging ponds, storms destroying cages.)
2. Rising sea temperatures, droughts, stronger storms affecting fish growth.
3. Because both types can harm workers, communities, and aquatic resources.

📖 Explore the Lesson

Understanding Hazards in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Fisheries and aquaculture are vital sources of food, livelihood, and economic growth. However, people who work in these fields are often exposed to different risks. Some hazards come from nature, while others are caused by human activity. Knowing the difference between natural and manmade hazards helps us prepare, stay safe, and protect aquatic resources.

1. Natural Hazards in Fisheries

Natural hazards are dangers caused by environmental or climate-related events. These occur without human control, but they can still be predicted and prepared for.

• Typhoons and Cyclones – These bring strong winds and heavy rains that can damage boats, destroy fish cages, and put lives at risk. In the Philippines, typhoons are common and often cause billions of pesos in losses for fisheries.
• Floods – Heavy rainfall can cause rivers and ponds to overflow. This not only damages infrastructure but also allows fish stocks to escape into open waters.
• Droughts – Prolonged periods without rain lower water levels in ponds and rivers. Fish suffer from low oxygen, and production decreases.
• Tsunamis – These are giant ocean waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. They can wipe out coastal aquaculture farms in minutes.
• El Niño – This climate pattern warms the Pacific Ocean and changes rainfall. It often brings drought in some regions and heavy flooding in others. Both conditions harm aquaculture.

Effects of Natural Hazards:

• Loss of fish stocks and income
• Damage to infrastructure like cages, ponds, and boats
• Increased costs for repair and recovery
• Food supply disruptions in affected areas

Example: During Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, many coastal aquaculture farms in Eastern Visayas were destroyed. Fishers lost not only their equipment but also their main source of livelihood.

2. Manmade (Anthropogenic) Hazards in Fisheries

Unlike natural hazards, manmade hazards come from human activity, negligence, or unsafe practices. These are preventable if people follow proper safety and environmental rules.

• Pollution – Waste, plastics, and chemicals dumped into rivers and seas poison aquatic life and damage ecosystems.
• Overfishing – Catching too many fish at once reduces populations and weakens food chains.
• Accidents – Mishandling equipment, slips, trips, and falls are common in fish cages and boats.
• Chemical Spills – Using or storing chemicals carelessly can cause poisoning, fires, or contamination.
• Unsafe Work Practices – Not wearing safety gear, ignoring training, or consuming alcohol while working increases risks.
• Climate Change (human-induced) – Activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation worsen global warming, which leads to stronger storms and unpredictable weather patterns.

Effects of Manmade Hazards:

• Immediate injuries (cuts, burns, drowning)
• Long-term health issues (back pain, hearing loss, stress)
• Loss of aquatic biodiversity
• Financial costs due to accidents and environmental fines

Example: Oil spills, such as the 2023 Mindoro oil spill in the Philippines, devastated marine habitats and destroyed fishing livelihoods in affected areas.

3. Comparing Natural and Manmade Hazards

Feature	Natural Hazard	Manmade Hazard
Cause	Nature (weather, climate, earthquakes)	Human activity or negligence
Examples	Typhoons, floods, droughts, El Niño, tsunamis	Oil spills, pollution, overfishing, accidents
Control	Cannot be stopped, but effects can be reduced	Preventable with safety measures and proper management
Impact	Infrastructure damage, stock loss, death	Injuries, pollution, long-term environmental harm

This comparison shows that while we cannot stop natural events, we can reduce their effects with preparation. On the other hand, manmade hazards are fully preventable if safety and environmental rules are followed.

4. Incident vs. Accident

• Incident – An event that signals a hazard but may not result in harm. Example: a worker slipping but not falling.
• Accident – An event that results in actual harm or damage. Example: a worker slipping and breaking an arm.

Recognizing incidents early helps prevent accidents. That’s why reporting and monitoring hazards in fisheries workplaces are important.

5. Risk Assessment in Fisheries

Risk Assessment is a process used in workplaces to identify hazards and decide how to reduce risks. It usually has three steps:

1. Identify Hazards – Look around the workplace and spot possible dangers. Example: slippery walkways, exposed chemicals.
2. Evaluate Risks – Decide how serious the hazard is. Will it cause injury, illness, or long-term damage?
3. Control Risks – Apply measures to reduce or remove the hazard. Example: install non-slip mats, wear gloves, provide training.

Regular risk assessment ensures safer working conditions for fishers and aquaculture workers.

6. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is the practice of reducing damage caused by hazards through preparation and planning. In fisheries, DRR means:

• Following weather forecasts and advisories before going to sea.
• Building stronger fish cages and ponds that can withstand storms.
• Planting mangroves along coasts to protect against waves and floods.
• Creating community evacuation and safety plans.

By practicing DRR, fisheries communities can recover faster and save lives during disasters.

7. Why This Matters for Students

As future workers, business owners, or community leaders, students must learn about hazards in fisheries. Understanding these hazards means being prepared, keeping families safe, and protecting the environment.

• For workers – Safer workplaces and healthier lives.
• For communities – More resilient livelihoods and food security.
• For the environment – Reduced pollution and sustainable aquatic resources.

Key Message: Hazards are part of life, but accidents don’t have to be. Awareness, preparation, and responsibility make fisheries safer and more sustainable.

References

• FAO. (2024). Occupational hazards in fisheries. https://www.fao.org/fishing-safety/risk-management/occupational-hazards/en/
• DENR. (2023). Mindoro oil spill impact. https://www.denr.gov.ph/news/
• HSS Philippines. (2023). Occupational safety and health hazards faced by Filipino workers. https://hssphilippines.com/blog/safety-and-health-tips/
• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2022). What is Disaster Risk Reduction? https://www.undrr.org/terminology/disaster-risk-reduction

💡 Example in Action

Worked Example: Preparing for Hazards in a Fishpond
Imagine you are managing a small freshwater fishpond in your barangay. It is the rainy season, and you notice cracks forming on the pond dike. At the same time, some workers are smoking near chemical containers, and the storage shed roof is leaking, making the floor slippery.

Step 1: Identify Hazards

• Cracked pond dike – Natural hazard risk (may lead to flooding if rain is heavy).
• Smoking near chemicals – Manmade hazard (risk of fire or poisoning).
• Slippery storage shed floor – Physical hazard (risk of slips and falls).

Step 2: Classify Hazards

• Cracked dike → Incident that could lead to flooding → Natural hazard.
• Smoking near chemicals → Unsafe practice → Chemical and fire hazard.
• Slippery floor → Workplace accident risk → Physical hazard.

Step 3: Control Hazards

• Repair the dike and strengthen it with sandbags before the heavy rains.
• Ban smoking in chemical storage areas and provide “No Smoking” signs.
• Clean and maintain storage areas regularly, and install non-slip mats.

Why is this important?
This example shows how risk assessment can turn a dangerous workplace into a safer one. By identifying, classifying, and controlling hazards, accidents can be prevented, and aquaculture productivity is protected.

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Now You Try!
Read the scenario below and answer the questions.

Scenario:
A group of fishers prepare for a fishing trip. They load too many nets on board, do not bring life jackets, and sail even if there is a storm warning.

Questions:

1. Identify two natural hazards in the situation.
2. Identify two manmade hazards.
3. Suggest at least one preventive measure for each hazard.

Show Answer

1. Natural hazards: Storm warning, rough seas.
2. Manmade hazards: Overloading the boat, no life jackets.
3. Preventive measures: Delay the trip until the storm passes; avoid overloading; always bring and wear life jackets.

📝 Try It Out

Practice 1 – Identify the Hazard

Directions: Read each statement and write whether it is a Natural Hazard or a Manmade Hazard.

1. A tsunami damages coastal aquaculture cages.
2. A worker gets injured while using a broken ladder.
3. El Niño causes drought, reducing pond water.
4. A fisher throws chemical waste into the river.
5. A typhoon destroys fishing boats in the harbor.

Show Answer

1. Natural
2. Manmade
3. Natural
4. Manmade
5. Natural

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Practice 2 – Match the Column

Directions: Match Column A (Situation) with Column B (Type of Hazard).

Column A

1. Oil spill from a cargo ship
2. Flooding in fishponds due to heavy rain
3. Worker stress from long hours
4. Cuts from handling fish with sharp fins
5. Overfishing reduces fish stocks

Column B

1. Biological Hazard
2. Natural Hazard
3. Psychosocial Hazard
4. Manmade Hazard
5. Chemical Hazard

Show Answer

1–e, 2–b, 3–c, 4–a, 5–d

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Practice 3 – Situation Analysis

Directions: Suggest one preventive measure for each situation.

1. A leaking container of chemicals is found in the hatchery.
2. The community receives a flood warning.
3. Workers are repairing nets under the hot sun without hats.
4. The boat is overloaded with equipment.
5. No first aid kit is available in the workplace.

Show Answer

1. Transfer chemicals safely to proper containers and label them.
2. Evacuate early, secure fish stock, and protect property.
3. Provide hats, sunscreen, or shade; allow breaks.
4. Remove excess equipment; follow weight capacity.
5. Provide a first aid kit and train workers to use it.

✅ Check Yourself – Mixed Quiz (10 Items)

Part A – Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. Which of the following is a natural hazard?
   a) Oil spill
   b) Typhoon
   c) Unsafe work practices
   d) Overfishing
2. An event that signals a hazard but may not result in harm is called:
   a) Risk assessment
   b) Accident
   c) Incident
   d) Pollution
3. Which activity is considered an anthropogenic hazard?
   a) Tsunami caused by an earthquake
   b) Chemical spill from a factory
   c) Drought caused by El Niño
   d) Strong winds from a cyclone
4. What process involves identifying hazards and deciding how to manage them?
   a) Aquatic pollution
   b) Risk assessment
   c) Disaster Risk Reduction
   d) Accident report

Part B – True or False (5–7)

5. El Niño is a manmade hazard.
6. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) helps communities prepare for natural and manmade hazards.
7. Smoking near chemical storage is an example of a safe workplace practice.

Part C – Short Answer (8–10)

8. Give one example of a natural hazard that affects fisheries.
9. Suggest two preventive measures to reduce the risks of manmade hazards.
10. Why is it important for fisheries workers to report incidents even if no one is hurt?

Show Answer Key

Part A – MCQ

1. b) Typhoon
2. c) Incident
3. b) Chemical spill from a factory
4. b) Risk assessment

Part B – T/F

5. False (El Niño is natural)
6. True
7. False

Part C – Short Answer

8. Examples: typhoon, flood, drought, tsunami, El Niño.
9. Examples: wear PPE, store chemicals properly, avoid unsafe behavior, follow safety training.
10. Because incidents show early signs of hazards and allow preventive action before accidents occur.

🚀 Go Further – Enrichment & Remediation Activities

Activity 1 – Hazard Safety Comic Strip

Task: Create a comic strip (4–6 panels) showing a fisheries worker facing hazards (natural or manmade) and how they prevent them.

• Include captions or dialogue.
• Show both the hazard and the safety solution.

Sample Output

A worker slips on a wet floor (hazard). Next panel: Worker installs non-slip mats and avoids the accident (solution).

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Activity 2 – Hazard Mapping

Task: Draw a simple map of your school or community. Mark at least 5 potential hazards using symbols (⚠️ for risk, 🌊 for water hazard, 🛢 for chemicals).

• Label each as natural or manmade.
• Present to the class.

Sample Output

⚠️ Near the playground (slippery floors), 🌊 Near the drainage canal (flood risk), 🛢 Near garbage area (chemical/biological hazard).

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Activity 3 – Group Debate: “Which is More Dangerous: Natural or Manmade Hazards?”

Task: Divide the class into two groups.

• Group A defends Natural Hazards as more dangerous.
• Group B defends Manmade Hazards as more dangerous.
• Each group presents arguments and examples.

Sample Output

Group A: Natural hazards like typhoons cause massive destruction.
Group B: Manmade hazards are preventable but often ignored, causing unnecessary accidents.

🔗 My Reflection

Guiding Questions
Write your answers in your notebook:

1. What is the difference between a natural hazard and a manmade hazard?
2. Which type of hazard do you think is easier to prevent? Why?
3. How can reporting incidents help avoid future accidents in fisheries?
4. What safety measures can you personally apply in your daily life to reduce risks?
5. How does understanding hazards make you more responsible in your community?

🎣 Take the Aquaculture & Fish Capture Quiz