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This study aims at comparing two data bases related to occupational injuries in the French sea fishing industry: a data base created between 1977 and 1980, a data base created between 1996 and 2001. These bases were made from report forms filled out by fishermen after an accident. The study focuses on the accidents occurring when the vessel is in the process of fishing. In the 1980s, as well as today, the processing of fishing gear seems to be a very dangerous task, correlated with the risk of being "struck by, swept along, pinned" by the elements of the rigging and the risk of serious injuries. The processing and handling of the catch also cause a large amount of accidents; during these tasks, fishermen have to cope with two main risks: being "cut or pricked" and making an "excessive effort, awkward movement". Rate and features of occupational accidents do not show notable evolution. These findings lead us to question the different prevention measures implemented in France during the last few decades and to propose new prevention direction.

In many maritime countries, the work of sea fishermen is one of the most hazardous of occupations. The number of accidents is much greater than in other occupations on land or at sea, and the accidents themselves are often more serious. When considering the risks and hazards of fishing, one initially thinks of major risks like collisions or vessels running aground, as well as the work related injuries which are mainly caused by the fishing equipment (otter boards, ropes) and by the motions of the vessel. These accidents and, in a more general sense, the dangers met by fishermen at sea have already been studied. But little research has been undertaken on the problem of accidents of fishermen while the vessel is in port; and in France, these accidents account for about 30 % of all registered injuries for the sea fishing industry. The presented report takes a look at this category of accidents, on the basis of data on 5074 accidents registered between 1996 and 2005. An examination of statistics therefore points to certain types of risks and dangerous situations, but it also leaves a number of questions pending. One of these is the number of "unknown" causes. Falls, in particular, are usually linked to an outside factor which is not listed on the form the sailors must fill out. To compensate for the limitations of the epidemiological analysis, on-site observation seemed to be the best way of understanding the risks of the activities of fishermen in the port.