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Methods: Our analysis consisted of two steps: first, according to the Italian legislation on health and safety in the workplace, was the identification of all potential risk factors through a process of risk assessment; second was the administration of questionnaires to investigate the symptoms related to occupational hazards. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were also performed in a group of workers to determine their specific sensitization status, using extracts of 13 common airborne allergens, 7 in-house fish products and Anisakis simplex.
Results: In the first step of our study we identified the presence of risk factors referable to the musculoskeletal system among fishermen, frozen fish workers and fishmongers. These hazards are mainly related to the handling of heavy loads in fishermen and to repetitive movements of upper limbs in the other two groups. Fishermen, fishmongers (mainly those that are usually involved in the gutting of fish) and veterinarians have an increased risk of sensitization to fish proteins. Fishermen have an added risk related to sun exposure while exposure to low temperatures is common for frozen fish workers. In the second step of our study, the prevalence of low back pain, according to data obtained from the questionnaires, was higher in frozen fish workers than in fishmongers. The prevalence of sensitization to Anisakis simplex, evaluated by SPTs, was higher in fishermen. Frozen fish processors reported a higher prevalence of upper limb problems such as forearm pain and reduced sensation in the hands.
Discussion/Conclusion: From the analysis of our preliminary data we can conclude that musculoskeletal disorders represent the commonest occupational health problem in the fishing industry followed by dermatological and allergic problems that were less prevalent.