Intervention Development (Part 2): Development of an Innovative Personal Flotation Device Using NIOSH Research and Recommendations

BACKGROUND:  Commercial fishing has been identified as the most dangerous occupation worldwide. Falls overboard are responsible for 30% of US commercial fishing fatalities and none of the fishermen who died after falling overboard during 2000–2014 were wearing a personal floatation device (PFD). Although the risk of drowning is high, most fishermen do not wear PFDs while working on deck and there are currently no regulatory agency mandates requiring PFD use. To better understand how to increase PFD use, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a collaborative study with multiple stakeholders (fishermen, vessel owners, fishing organizations, training organizations, PFD manufacturers, and the US Coast Guard) to examine predictors of PFD use, and PFD design preferences. Results indicated that fishermen who believed PFDs were an entanglement hazard had low PFD use, as did fishermen who believed PFDs were uncomfortable or interfered with work.

METHODS:  Based on the collaborative study results, NIOSH suggested that fishermen may wear PFDs more often if they became familiar with newer models with features that address issues and concerns regarding entanglement, interference with work, and comfort. NIOSH also recommended that manufacturers may have more success in increasing demand for PFDs if they engaged fishermen in the design and promotion of newer, more comfortable, safer PFDs. Research study findings were shared directly with manufacturers through personal contact and email, trade journal publications and social media. In their messaging, NIOSH actively challenged PFD manufacturers to develop PFDs that addressed previously identified barriers to PFD use.

RESULTS:  In response to the dissemination efforts a new PFD manufacturer contacted the NIOSH study team. NIOSH provided study design details and raw data, including fishermen’s comments regarding PFD preferences. In accordance with NIOSH’s recommendations, the manufacturer collected their own PFD preference data from fishermen and engaged fishermen in the development of an innovative PFD. The company then designed and manufactured a streamlined PFD that could be worn under raingear with 12 lbs. of flotation, the optimal amount to maintain a low profile while still maintaining buoyancy. The PFD was designed to be comfortable when worn continuously, even when going ashore, and addressed issues regarding entanglement and work interference.

CONCLUSIONS: Providing research findings to manufacturers in an appropriate, user friendly, way is effective in supporting the development of innovative safety equipment. Additionally, engaging intended product users in development and testing may improve user satisfaction and lead to more widespread use.