The education of fishing workers about accidents caused by marine animals: a study in the Região dos Lagos of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Fishing exposes workers to various occupational risks, including accidents caused by poisonous, venomous and traumatizing marine animals. With this in mind, the aim of this study is to present educational activities for people working in the fishing activities in the Região dos Lagos (Lakes Region) of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, with a focus on accidents caused by marine animals (ACMA). The protocol was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (CAAE: 53959421.8.0000.5153). The activities were carried out in the municipalities of Armação dos Búzios, Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio and included a workshop on the subject, lasting an average of four hours, preceded (pre-test) and followed (post-test) by an assessment consisting of objective questions on the ACMA. A total of 47 workers (with an average working time of 15.2±12.8 years) took part in the activity. Each professional suffered an average of three ACMA. A comparison of the pre-test and post-test results showed a higher percentage of correct answers to almost all the questions. Further studies are needed to estimate the risks of ACMA among fishing workers and to improve educational actions to minimize the impact of these injuries on this population.