Dungeness crab commercial fishermen's perceptions of injuries inform survey development.

Abstract

The West Coast Dungeness crab fishery is high-risk for occupational fatalities. The Fishermen Led Injury Prevention Program (FLIPP) explored this worker population's nonfatal injuries and safety perspectives.Focus groups were held along the West Coast to (a) review reported injuries, (b) discuss risk factors, and (c) identify content to inform future FLIPP research activities, including survey development. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively. The FLIPP survey was pilot tested with groups of fishermen before broad distribution.Nineteen fishermen participated in focus groups and 21 pilot tested the FLIPP survey. These discussions illuminated injury risk perceptions, crews' current safety provisions, and what survey items would be relevant for fishermen.To engage fishermen in the process of identifying and developing injury prevention efforts, focus groups, and pilot testing were effective methods for incorporating their ideas into a survey.