Title: Mapping the risky decision space of commercial rock lobster fishermen

Authors: Benjamin Brooks

Addresses: Monash University Accident Research Centre, Building 70, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3800

Abstract: This article explores how commercial rock lobster fishermen from a small fishing town in South Eastern Australia make decisions about two important issues: whether to fish on a particular day and when to wear a life jacket. The analysis of the decisions integrates personal, social and cultural factors into a display of the fishermen|s |decision-space|. The outcome of these decisions has the potential to minimise their exposure to extreme weather events and to reduce the risk of drowning after a fall overboard. By understanding the intimate nature of these decision-making processes, it is more likely that successful occupational injury prevention interventions can be implemented to improve the decision-making process.

Keywords: commercial fishing; decision making; ethnography; occupational injuries; risk assessment; lobster fishermen.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2007.011737

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.2, pp.248 - 262

Published online: 20 Dec 2006 *

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