TLE 8 AFA W4D1: Introduction to hazards

🎯 Learning Goals

Day 1 – Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

1. Discuss the concept of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) hazards in fisheries.
2. Identify common natural and manmade hazards that affect fisheries and aquaculture.
3. Explain the importance of safety measures and precautions to minimize risks in fisheries work.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

Day 1 – Key Ideas & Terms

• Biological Health – Organic substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, mainly humans.
• Brackish Water Culture – Culturing organisms in tidal ponds, pens, cages, or by rack, raft, or rope culture.
• Chemical Hazards – Organic or inorganic substances that may harm health through exposure.
• Ergonomic Health – Science of fitting jobs to workers for safety, efficiency, and comfort.
• Manmade Hazard – Hazards caused directly or indirectly by human action or inaction.
• Mariculture – Cultivation of fish, prawns, and lobsters in floating cages.
• Natural Hazard – Natural phenomena that negatively affect people or the environment.
• Physical Health – Potential risks that cause physical harm due to agents, factors, or conditions in the workplace.
• Psychosocial Hazard – Stressors in the workplace that may cause emotional distress or mental health issues.

🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge

Quick Recall: Fact or Bluff
Directions: Determine whether the statement is Fact (True) or Bluff (False).

1. Aquatic pollution, as defined in Republic Act No. 10654 Section 107, shall be unlawful.
2. Republic Act No. 10654 is an amendment to the Philippine Agriculture Code of 1998.
3. All aquatic and fishery resources, whether inland, coastal, or offshore, including fishponds, fish pens/cages, are covered by law.
4. One of the Technical Committee members of Rule 107.2 is from the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau.
5. Fish capture technology encompasses the process of catching any land animal.

Show Answer

1. Fact
2. Bluff (Fisheries Code, not Agriculture Code)
3. Fact
4. Fact
5. Bluff (It is aquatic, not land)

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Prior Knowledge Check (Short Q&A)

1. Why is it important to discuss safety hazards in fisheries?
2. Can you recall any local news or community stories about accidents in aquaculture or fishing?
3. What basic safety practices do fishers or workers usually follow when handling equipment?

Show Answer

1. To prevent accidents, injuries, and exposure to harmful substances.
2. (Answers will vary; e.g., storms damaging fish pens, accidents at sea).
3. Wearing protective clothing, using gloves, careful handling of equipment.

📖 Explore the Lesson

Occupational Safety and Health Hazards in Fisheries

Fishing is one of the world’s oldest and most important livelihoods, but it is also one of the most dangerous. People working in fisheries face many risks while at sea or in aquaculture facilities. These risks, called occupational hazards, can affect a worker’s health, safety, and overall well-being. Understanding these hazards and how to prevent them is a key step in making fisheries safer and more sustainable.

1. What are Occupational Hazards?

An occupational hazard is any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effect in the workplace. In fisheries, hazards can come from nature, machines, chemicals, or even stress. A hazard that becomes real and causes harm is called an incident.

Hazards in fisheries can be divided into two main groups:

• Natural hazards - dangers caused by nature, such as storms, floods, droughts, or tsunamis.
• Manmade hazards - dangers caused by human actions or negligence, such as accidents with machines, pollution, or unsafe practices.

Understanding both types helps us prevent injuries and protect workers.

2. Natural Hazards in Fisheries

Fishing is closely connected to water, weather, and the environment, which means natural hazards are common.

• Cyclones and Typhoons - Strong storms at sea can damage boats, destroy cages, and put fishers’ lives at risk. Winds can exceed 100 km/h, creating dangerous waves.
• Floods - Inland fishponds and hatcheries may be damaged when rivers overflow. Flashfloods from heavy rain or melting snow can wash away equipment and stock.
• Droughts - Extended periods without rain lower water levels in ponds and rivers. This reduces oxygen for fish and makes it difficult to maintain healthy aquaculture systems.
• Tsunamis - Giant waves caused by underwater earthquakes can wipe out coastal fisheries and aquaculture farms.
• El Niño - This climate event changes rainfall and sea temperature patterns, leading to either too much rain or severe droughts, affecting fish growth and marine habitats.

These natural events are beyond human control, but preparation and early warning systems can reduce their impact.

3. Manmade Hazards in Fisheries

Not all dangers come from nature—some are caused by people. These are called manmade hazards or anthropogenic hazards.

Examples include:

• Accidents with Machinery - Getting caught in winches, ropes, or nets while handling fishing gear.
• Slips and Falls - Wet decks or poorly maintained fishpond walkways can cause injuries.
• Pollution - Chemicals, plastics, and waste dumped into water harm both workers and aquatic life.
• Overexertion - Lifting heavy loads repeatedly can lead to back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders.
• Unsafe Behavior - Not wearing safety gear, consuming alcohol on board, or ignoring safety procedures increases risks.

Manmade hazards are preventable if proper safety practices are followed.

4. Categories of Occupational Hazards in Fisheries

To better understand workplace risks, hazards are grouped into six categories:

1. Ergonomic Hazards - Caused by poor workstation design or awkward movements. Example: fishers bending repeatedly to pull nets can develop back pain.
2. Physical Hazards - Risks from environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, loud noise from engines, or dangerous heights.
3. Biological Hazards - Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can cause infections. Example: open wounds exposed to contaminated water may lead to disease.
4. Chemical Hazards - Contact with harmful substances such as fuel, cleaning agents, or pesticides used in aquaculture.
5. Psychosocial Hazards - Stress, fatigue, and mental health problems due to long working hours and isolation at sea.
6. Environmental Hazards - Pollution, poor air quality, or lack of clean water affecting both workers and fish stocks.

Knowing these categories helps workers recognize dangers before they cause harm.

5. Examples of Health Risks

Workers in fisheries often experience:

• Skin cancer or sunburned eyes - from long exposure to the sun without protection.
• Hearing loss - from noisy boat engines or equipment.
• Cuts and wounds - from handling sharp tools or fish with spines.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) - such as back injuries, joint pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Respiratory illnesses - from inhaling dust, smoke, or chemical fumes.
• Stress and depression - from long periods away from family and tough working conditions.

6. Safety Measures and Precautions

To reduce hazards, safety must always come first. Some important practices include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Wearing gloves, protective clothing, and proper footwear.
• Safe Work Practices - Checking ladders, cleaning wet decks, and handling catch carefully.
• Limiting Alcohol and Drugs - Avoiding substances that impair judgment and increase risk of accidents.
• Proper Ergonomics - Using correct posture, adjustable equipment, and safe lifting methods to prevent injuries.
• Health and Safety Training - Every fisher should know basic first aid and how to use safety equipment like life vests.
• Regular Maintenance - Ensuring boats, cages, and tools are safe and in good condition.
• Emergency Preparedness - Having life-saving gear, escape plans, and communication tools ready.

These precautions not only save lives but also improve productivity and sustainability in fisheries.

7. Why OSH Matters in Fisheries

Occupational Safety and Health is not just about avoiding accidents - it is about building a culture of safety. When workers are protected, they are healthier, more confident, and more productive.

• For workers - It reduces risks of injury, illness, and stress.
• For families - It ensures loved ones return home safely.
• For the industry - It lowers costs of accidents, increases efficiency, and supports sustainable fisheries.
• For society - It aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 14: Life Below Water).

A safe workplace benefits everyone.

References

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). Occupational hazards in fisheries. https://www.fao.org/fishing-safety/risk-management/occupational-hazards/en/
• Comcare. (2022). Safe & healthy work: Preventing harm. https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/physical-hazards
• OSHA. (2018). Ergonomic Hazards Workbook. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy15_sh-27643-sh5_ErgonomicsWorkbook.pdf
• HSS Philippines. (2023). Most Common Occupational Safety and Health Hazards Many Filipino Workers Face. https://hssphilippines.com/blog/safety-and-health-tips/occupational-safety-and-health-hazards-many-filipinos-are-facing

💡 Example in Action

Worked Example: Spotting Hazards in Fisheries
Imagine you are working in a small-scale fish cage operation near the coast. The cage is surrounded by slippery wooden planks, and nearby there is a storage area where fuel is kept in old containers. The fishers are pulling nets by hand while standing barefoot, and one worker is sitting on the edge of the cage without a life jacket.

Let us identify the hazards in this situation:

1. Slippery Planks - This is a physical hazard that can cause slips and falls.
2. Old Fuel Containers - This is a chemical hazard that could leak and cause poisoning or fire.
3. Barefoot Workers - This is both a physical and biological hazard, since they risk cuts and infections from dirty water.
4. No Life Jacket - This increases the risk of drowning, making it a safety hazard.

Why is this important?
When hazards are not managed, accidents can happen. A slip could lead to a serious injury, a fuel spill could start a fire, and falling into the water without safety gear could be fatal. By recognizing hazards early, we can prevent emergencies.

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Now You Try!
Read the short scenario below and identify at least three hazards.

Scenario:
A group of students visits a fish hatchery. They see:

• A worker smoking near chemical containers.
• Fish being fed while the floor is wet and cluttered with tools.
• Loud machines running without ear protection.

Your Task:
List three hazards and classify them.

Show Answer

1. Smoking near chemicals – Chemical + Fire Hazard.
2. Wet and cluttered floor – Physical Hazard (slips, trips, falls).
3. Loud machines without ear protection – Physical Hazard (noise-induced hearing loss).

📝 Try It Out

Practice 1 – Identify the Hazard

Directions: Read each statement and identify the type of hazard (Natural, Manmade, Ergonomic, Physical, Biological, Chemical, Psychosocial, Environmental).

1. A fisher develops back pain from lifting heavy nets.
2. A worker suffers sunburn while working long hours at sea.
3. Oil spills from a leaking container into the pond.
4. A fisher gets bitten by a mosquito carrying dengue.
5. A worker becomes anxious due to long shifts away from family.

Show Answer

1. Ergonomic
2. Physical
3. Chemical / Environmental
4. Biological
5. Psychosocial

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Practice 2 – True or False

Directions: Write T if the statement is True, F if False.

1. Wearing gloves and boots reduces the risk of cuts and infections.
2. Noise from engines is only a problem if it causes pain in the ears.
3. Cyclones and typhoons are examples of manmade hazards.
4. Stress and fatigue are considered psychosocial hazards.
5. Using safe posture while lifting prevents musculoskeletal disorders.

Show Answer

1. T
2. F (long-term exposure causes hearing loss even without pain)
3. F (they are natural hazards)
4. T
5. T

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Practice 3 – Safety Solutions

Directions: For each situation, suggest one safety measure.

1. Fishers working under the sun without hats or sunscreen.
2. Workers handling chemicals without gloves.
3. A slippery dock where workers carry heavy loads.
4. Noise from machinery in the hatchery.
5. Fatigue due to long working hours.

Show Answer

1. Wear hats, long sleeves, and apply sunscreen.
2. Use gloves and proper protective gear.
3. Improve housekeeping, install non-slip mats.
4. Provide ear protection.
5. Allow rest breaks and rotate tasks.

✅ Check Yourself – Mixed Quiz (10 Items)

Part A – Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. Which of the following is an example of a natural hazard?
   a) Slippery floors
   b) Cyclone
   c) Stress from overwork
   d) Fuel spill
2. What type of hazard is associated with long exposure to engine noise?
   a) Ergonomic
   b) Psychosocial
   c) Physical
   d) Biological
3. A fisher gets infected from handling fish with bare hands. This is a:
   a) Ergonomic hazard
   b) Biological hazard
   c) Physical hazard
   d) Chemical hazard
4. Which safety practice best prevents musculoskeletal disorders?
   a) Wearing sunscreen
   b) Using correct lifting posture
   c) Drinking enough water
   d) Avoiding chemicals

Part B – True or False (5–7)

5. PPE such as gloves and boots are optional if workers are careful.
6. Stress and fatigue are classified as psychosocial hazards.
7. El Niño is a type of manmade hazard.

Part C – Short Answer (8–10)

8. Give one example of a manmade hazard in fisheries.
9. State two safety measures fishers should follow to reduce risks at sea.
10. Why is it important to discuss OSH hazards in fisheries?

Show Answer Key

Part A – MCQ

1. b) Cyclone
2. c) Physical
3. b) Biological hazard
4. b) Using correct lifting posture

Part B – T/F

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

Part C – Short Answer

8. Examples: fuel spills, machine accidents, slips on wet decks.
9. Examples: wear protective clothing, use life jackets, avoid alcohol, follow safety training.
10. Because it prevents accidents and injuries, protects health, and promotes sustainable fisheries.

🚀 Go Further – Enrichment & Remediation Activities

Activity 1 – Safety Poster Making

Task: Design a poster showing the “Top 5 Safety Rules in Fisheries Work.”

• Use drawings, symbols, and short captions.
• Highlight both natural and manmade hazard prevention.

Sample Output

Poster may include: “Wear life jackets,” “Use gloves,” “Check equipment,” “Protect against sun,” “No alcohol on board.”

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Activity 2 – Hazard Hunt (Classroom/Community)

Task: In small groups, look around your school or community and list at least 5 possible hazards (e.g., slippery floors, exposed wires, cluttered walkways).

• Classify each as natural, manmade, physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial.

Sample Output

1. Wet classroom floor – Physical
2. Broken chair – Ergonomic
3. Open trash bins – Biological
4. Exposed wires – Electrical/Physical
5. Noise from construction nearby – Physical

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Activity 3 – Mini-Role Play: “Safe vs. Unsafe”

Task: In pairs or small groups, act out two short scenarios:

• Unsafe workplace behavior (e.g., handling fish barehanded, standing on wet decks without boots).
• Corrected safe behavior (using gloves, cleaning up, wearing PPE).

Sample Output

Unsafe: A worker pulls nets barefoot and slips.
Safe: Same worker now wears boots, uses gloves, and maintains balance.

🔗 My Reflection

Option A – 3–5 Sentences
Write 3–5 sentences in your notebook:

• Reflect on what you learned about hazards in fisheries.
• Explain why safety is important for both workers and the community.
• Mention at least one practice you will personally apply to stay safe.

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Option B – Reflection Checklist (Tabular)

Reflection Statement	Yes / No
I can identify different types of hazards in fisheries.
I understand the difference between natural and manmade hazards.
I know examples of ergonomic, physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards.
I can suggest at least two safety measures for fishers.
I see the importance of practicing OSH in daily life.

🎣 Take the Aquaculture & Fish Capture Quiz