New guidelines for boat gear in place after June death of lobster fisherman

New guidelines have been released to help protect P.E.I. fishing crews after a man was killed by a boom on a North Lake lobster boat this past June.

Occupational health and safety officials spent months looking into the incident, and hope their review will prevent further accidents. The investigation is now complete, but officials have not said whether there will be charges or fines related to the death. 

The man was underneath a boom being used to hoist out lobster traps when it suddenly lowered and struck him in the head and shoulder. 

In July, the Workers Compensation Board released a hazard alert highlighting the possible risks of using booms on lobster boats.

The alert said the boom and hoist were working properly, but multiple factors on the boat created a dangerous working environment that violated the P.E.I. Occupational Health and Safety Act. 

Workers were allowed to move around underneath the boom while it was hoisting a suspended load, and the joystick used to operate the device did not have safety measures to stop it from activating when accidentally hit.

The hoist was also not certified by an engineer after it was installed.

The alert also said a crowded working area and the rocking of the boat added to the "hazardous environment."

Since the crew member's death, inspectors have been visiting wharves and equipment suppliers around the Island to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of using hoists on fishing boats.