A new report from Lloyd's Register Foundation has named the fishing industry as the most dangerous occupation globally, with 26% of fishers experiencing workplace harm in the past two years.

According to the latest World Risk Poll report, "Engineering safer workplaces: Global trends in occupational safety and health," only 27% of fishers have ever received safety training, making fishing one of the least-trained industries regarding safety measures.

The data, gathered by global analytics firm Gallup and based on interviews with 147,000 people across 142 countries, show that fishers in low-income nations are particularly vulnerable. They have less access to training and a greater likelihood of harm. Many in these regions face financial insecurity, compounding the risks they take to earn a living.

Like other industries, such as construction and mining, fishing skews heavily towards demographics that were found to be more at risk of harm regardless of their occupation, such as those in more precarious financial situations. For instance, 15% of the fishing workforce declared they could only cover their basic needs for less than a week if they lost all income. This demographic was found to be more vulnerable to workplace harm than average; a third (34%) experienced it in the past two years (well above the global average of 18%).

Global safety organizations, including the International Fund for Fishing Safety, advocate for urgent safety training and equipment investment. Daryl Attwood from Lloyd's Register stressed the need for more action, especially in low-income regions, to reduce accidents and ensure long-term sustainability.

The initiative also aims to link safety improvements with sustainable fishing practices, protecting workers and marine ecosystems.

The 2024 World Risk Poll report, 'Engineering safer workplaces: Global trends in occupational safety and health,' can be accessed here.