Generalizability of a Comprehensive Workforce-Led Initiative to Support the Health and Safety of Commercial Fishermen in the Northeastern United States

CDC/NIOSH RFA-OH-20-002，商业渔业职业安全研究合作社

CDC/NIOSH RFA-OH-20-002, Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research Cooperative Agreement (U01) Generalizability of a Comprehensive Workforce-Led Initiative to Support the Health and Safety of Commercial Fishermen in the Northeastern United States Project Summary Abstract In 2020 and 2021, Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS) assessed the feasibility of a multi-year ‘Vision’ developed by the fishing industry to improve the safety, health, and economic security of commercial fishermen in Massachusetts. This proposed, multi-method study will yield data-informed metrics to assess the generalizability of the Massachusetts plan in other Northeastern states with significant commercial fishing industries, including Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Specifically, the project will assess the following aspects of the commercial fishing industry in other Northeastern states: (1) key issues concerning the safety, health, and economic security of commercial fishermen; (2) existing assets fishermen in the Massachusetts study deemed necessary for maintaining or improving safety, health, and economic security; and (3) the capacity of the commercial fishing industry in each state to undertake a comprehensive plan to improve its safety, health, and economic security. It will also conduct a rigorous examination of the health and behavioral health needs of commercial fishermen in each state. In doing so, the study will generate data that can be used to improve the safety, health, and economic security of commercial fishermen in the Northeast. The study will incorporate qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources and perspectives, including interviews with fishing leaders and surveys of fishermen in each state. Short-term outcomes include a new framework or Vision for the Northeastern fishing industry and a research brief that summarizes what is known about the readiness for adoption in each state. Intermediate outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of the hierarchy of needs amongst commercial fishermen; a data-driven understanding of the intersections between safety, health, and economic security will generate new knowledge to inform holistic policies that will be effective in increasing the safety and health of commercial fishermen. R2p will occur throughout the three-year grant period. FPSS Navigators and fishing industry leaders will provide input on key informants to interview and help us disseminate knowledge gained from this study. Products developed in the course of the study will help determine and prioritize key policy and programmatic initiatives to pursue and provide data to support them. At the conclusion of the study, FPSS will disseminate findings to fishing leaders, other NIOSH-funded programs, policy makers, and fishing safety researchers.