VIDEO

BC Fishing Shoreworker Safety, Video, 2019

This 11-minute video provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia, focusing on the evolution of health and safety for shoreworkers.

Key points covered in the video include:

● Historical Context: The video traces the origins of fishing in British Columbia back to the First Nations. The commercial industry flourished with European interest and the invention of food canning.

● Multicultural Workforce and Industry Boom: The industry was highly diverse, with Indigenous men and women, joined by European and Asian workers, formed a significant part of the workforce. The period was characterized by mass production and good pay due to unionization.

● Challenging Work Conditions: Despite the good pay, the work was physically demanding, with workers standing for long hours in cold, wet conditions. Machine-related injuries were common, and safety was often overlooked.

● Advocacy for Health and Safety: The United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union (UFAWU) pushed for better safety. Health and safety committees were established, addressing issues like pay equity and workplace hazards.

● Groundbreaking UBC Study: A study confirmed a correlation between workplace activities and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, leading to improved techniques and a reduction in injury rates.

This video was produced by WorkSafeBC for the BC Labour Heritage Centre.

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