Fatal Alert
Worker's Compensation Board
SEAFOOD HARVESTING - DIVER
POSTER # Misc. 92-01
AGE: 26        EXPERIENCE: 45 MINUTES        AREA: CENTRAL EAST COAST VANCOUVER ISLAND
loading...

Two divers were harvesting sea urchins at a depth of about 30 feet. One diver was inexperienced in this type of work, but had misinformed his employer about his experience. They worked on the bottom, about 20 to 40 feet apart. The more experienced diver checked on his partner several times, but the last time he checked he found his partner floating face down, tethered by his dry suit inflator attached to his pack on the bottom.

Apparently the inexperienced diver ran into some difficulty and attempted to drop his weights, but could not free himself because of incorrectly worn diving gear. His partner disconnected the inflator line and brought him to the surface, but he could not be revived.

SAFE WORK PRACTICE
EMPLOYERS:
You must ensure that workers receive adequate direction and instruction in the safe performance of their duties. All workers must be properly trained and demonstrate their ability to safely perform their duties.

WORKERS:
You must follow all safe work procedures. Do not use any other means if they create a hazard.

This poster is part of an archival collection of WCB health and safety posters, dating from 1969 until the present time. At the time this poster was originally produced, it reflected the current WCB requirements. In all cases, today's WCB regulation and requirements must be applied to the situation shown in each poster.