Rationale 3.5

A safe and healthy work environment ensures that workers are protected from accidents, injuries and illness arising from their employment. Despite this basic right, unsafe work is a reality for many people globally.

An estimated 22 million people are employed worldwide in aquaculture production.7474Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024—Blue transformation in action. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0683en These workers regularly contend with hazardous conditions and suffer injuries relating to the use of machinery, tools, boats, vehicles, drowning, falling and electrocution. The risks of accidents or incidents typically remain unaddressed due to gaps in knowledge, limited independent analyses of prevention measures or a lack of investment in risk reduction strategies. With adequate health and safety management, many of these incidents can be prevented and additional costs can be avoided.

This Criterion focuses on all aspects of creating a safe, healthy and secure workplace, including training for all employees, on ASC-certified farms.

Intent – The aquaculture industry provides safe and healthy workplaces.