Introduction and research gap
Norwegian fish farming is undergoing major concept changes, yet continues to be Norway’s second most hazardous occupation. The industry is g oing from mostly open netpens along the coast, to also semi-closed and submerged units offshore and units on land. Along with the technology, the workplaces have transformed . It is need for knowledge about the operational conditions in the different workplaces in the current and emerging salmon farming concepts , and consequences for working conditions .
A qualitative study
Th e empirical foundation of this study is personnel s’ descriptions of operational conditions at their workplaces. The data is gathered through semi-structured research interviews of 14 persons representing different concepts in Norwegian fish farming, as well as three workshops with national and international industry representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders. This is a n activity in the project "OHS in aquaculture – risk management in different production forms" , financed by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund ( project number 901801).
Results
The study indicates differences between the well- established workplaces , and the workplaces that are newly established or under planning .
Operational conditions at the well-established workplaces, either in traditional or new concepts, have similarities with what is found in earlier research. Our empirical studies the last decades have revealed constraining operational conditions in Norwegian fish farming. Limited time and personnel is still common, giving stress, long hours, lack of rest, inadequate working positions. For larger operations, more organizations and vessels need to cooperate, which leads to complex collaboration, sometimes among personnel without experience or training. Conflicting objectives usually emerge, sometimes leading the personnel in the operations to prioritize production and fish welfare over their own protection. As in other industries, quality and safety management has led to more systematic measures . In addition, it has led to a discussion on whether management tasks may conflict with each other and with safety, fish welfare, etc.
At the newly established or planned workplaces in new fish farm concepts, the risks may be higher, but the operational planning is more thorough. On the one hand, these new production forms include larger units of fish , and operations that are unfamiliar for the personnel . Some workplaces have harsher weather conditions, and all involve personnel from more organizations, heavier equipment, and more energy involved in the operations. On the other hand, the larger concepts give stable working platforms, and the increased risks lead to more awareness on mitigating measures. The personnel report about well-functioning safety management measures, collaboration about risk assessments and resources to perform operations according to plan. Personnel here have rarely e xperienced goal conflicts, but these organizations have had few operations.
Further studies should investigate how the operational conditions are experien ced when the new workplaces have become well-established, and the concepts are not seen as new anymore.