title: The use of personal flotation devices in the Northeast lobster fishing industry: An examination of the decision-making process.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explored perspectives of Northeast commercial lobstermen regarding the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs). Researchers sought to identify factors contributing to low PFD use, and motivators that could lead to increased use of PFDs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative research (n = 72) included 25 commercial fishermen who participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and 47 attendees of Lobstermen's meetings who engaged in focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed substantial barriers to PFD use. Fishermen described themselves as being proactive about safety whenever possible, but described a longstanding tradition of not wearing PFDs. Key factors integrally linked with the lack of PFD use were workability, identity/social stigma, and risk diffusion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future safety interventions will need to address significant barriers to PFD use that include issues of comfort and ease of use, as well as social acceptability of PFDs and reorientation of risk perceptions related to falls overboard.
authors.affiliation: The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown, New York.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weil
authors.affiliation: Fishing Partnership Support Services, Burlington, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.affiliation: Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Program, Alaska Pacific Office, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Anchorage, Alaska.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lincoln
authors.affiliation: MIT Sea Grant, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hall-Arber
authors.affiliation: The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown, New York.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sorensen
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005398:Fisheries; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008121:Nephropidae; D009511:New England; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012449:Safety; D012767:Ships; D057545:Social Stigma
keywords: commercial fishing safety; drowning; falls overboard; occupational health; personal flotation device