BIM fishermen's health manual translated into five languages

BIM’s recently-launched fishermen’s health manual has been translated into five languages due to demand among Ireland’s multicultural fishing industry workforce. It is available in English, Irish, Arabic, Malay, Russian and Spanish.

The short manual, launched in Union Hall by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Ireland’s seafood development agency, offers practical advice on keeping healthy at sea and on land. The BIM Fishermen’s Health Manual has been adapted from publication Fisherman, first published by Haynes and funded by the Maritime Charities Funding Group in the UK. More than 3,000 fishermen in Ireland have received the manual to date. 

 Jim O’Toole, CEO of BIM, said: ‘The fishing sector is a rewarding and a highly-demanding industry. BIM’s focus on sustainability refers not just to the industry per se but to the people who work in the industry. 

‘This manual is by no means meant to replace professional advice from a medical practitioner. It’s about the promotion of better self-awareness and pro-activity among members of the sector when it comes to their physical and mental wellbeing, all of which will help the sector to thrive for generations to come.’

The publication is written in plain language in the style of a Haynes’ car manual and the BIM adaptation of the publication has been developed with the support of Healthy Ireland Initiative. Kate O’Flahery, head of health and wellbeing at the Department of Health, commented: ‘Healthy Ireland welcome the publication of BIM’s Fisherman’s Health Manual, which addresses specific health issues involved in the Irish seafood and fishing industry. Fishing is a challenging profession and having access to detailed and practical advice will empower fishermen in Ireland to make changes, and particularly as the guide is accessible in five languages.’

Ian Banks, president of the European Men’s Health Forum, and author of the original UK publication said: ‘All fishing gear comes with a manual. The machinery is tough, it has to be considering the environment in which it has to work. Fishermen are also tough for the same reasons but there was no manual for maintenance. Well now there is, and hopefully fishermen will stay healthy no matter what those deep waters throw at them.’

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