Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Nigerian Artisanal Fishing: A Focus on Coastal Akwa Ibom State

Artisanal fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations in developing countries, yet occupational health and safety standards are rarely applied or monitored in Nigerian coastal fishing communities. This study assessed occupational health and safety risks, injury prevalence, and safety awareness among artisanal fishers in coastal Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 220 randomly selected fishers across four fishing communities: Eket, Oron, Ikot Abasi, and Ibeno. Data were collected on injury history, safety equipment usage, working conditions, health complaints, and awareness of risk management practices. Observations of fishing activities and vessel conditions were conducted on 40 randomly selected fishing trips. Drowning and capsizing were the most feared risks cited by 84 percent of respondents. Actual injury prevalence over the preceding twelve months was 43 percent, with cuts, musculoskeletal strain, and marine animal envenomation being the most common injury types. Only 18 percent of fishers reported regularly using personal flotation devices. Fifty-six percent reported chronic musculoskeletal pain attributed to net hauling and boat engine vibration. Contact dermatitis from fish handling chemicals was reported by 34 percent. Awareness of occupational safety regulations was very low, with 91 percent unable to name any relevant regulation. Vessel registration compliance was only 37 percent. The study recommends mandatory life jacket subsidies, community safety officer training, and the development of a national artisanal fishing occupational safety standard under the Federal Department of Fisheries. Keywords: occupational safety, artisanal fishing, Akwa Ibom, injury prevalence, fisheries management.