Working at sea is the riskiest way to earn a living, with ocean workers facing higher injury rates than any land-based industry, according to a new global study by Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Gallup.
Key Findings: A Perilous Workplace
- 25% of ocean workers reported being injured on the job in the past two years, which is 7 points higher than the global average and double the rate of the safest sector, utilities.
- Only 32% received occupational safety training, compared to 38% in land-based industries.
- Just 41% reported their injuries, highlighting a culture of silence and resilience at sea.
- 33% suffered serious harm from severe weather, far exceeding the 20% rate in other industries.
Why Is Maritime Work So Dangerous?
The study defines “ocean workers” broadly to include fishermen, offshore oil workers, merchant mariners, and others working on or near water. However, fishing remains the deadliest sector, with an estimated 100,000 global fishing deaths annually, of which many are unreported due to illegal, unregulated, and exploitative practices.
While commercial shipping is safer than fishing, risks like fires, extreme weather, and mechanical failures still make seafaring far more hazardous than most land-based jobs.
A Call for Better Safety Measures
The report underscores low safety training rates and a reluctance to report injuries as major concerns. Experts urge:
- Mandatory safety programs for all ocean workers.
- Stronger enforcement of labor protections, especially in high-risk fisheries.
- Improved reporting systems to ensure injuries and fatalities are properly documented.
“The ocean is an unforgiving workplace,” said a Lloyd’s Register Foundation spokesperson. “We must prioritize seafarers’ safety, before more lives are lost.”
The findings highlight the urgent need for global reforms to protect those who work at sea, which is one of the world’s most vital yet perilous professions.
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