FFAW Applauds Funding by WorkplaceNL for NL-FHSA Operations

January 15, 2021 – FFAW-Unifor applauds the commitment by Workplace NL for $1.75 million, over 5 years, to fund endeavors undertaken by the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Harvesting Safety Association (NL-FHSA) to implement stronger safety protocols, technologies, and equipment for fish harvesters.

Fish harvesting remains one of the most dangerous occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador, while continuing to be one of the province’s most valuable industries. The COVID-19 pandemic has made conditions even more challenging, requiring harvesters and leading health and safety experts to work together to develop unique safe work practices while operating at sea.

The NL-FHSA has been working since early 2020 to gain an understanding of COVID-19 and its potential impact on the fish harvesting industry. The funding will help develop enhanced best practices that will give harvesters in our province more protection from the conditions at sea, as well as decreasing the risk of viral transmission while in close quarters on vessels. The work has been carried out in partnership with FFAW-Unifor and the Professional Fish Harvester Certification Board (PFHCB), and in collaboration with other representatives of the NL-FHSA Board of Directors and Advisory Committee.