Government of Canada navigation bar
Primary site navigation bar
Health
Safe Working Practices Regulations, Section 4(a), 14.
Keeping fit and staying healthy are at least as important on a ship as elsewhere. Illness may reduce your ability to concentrate on a job and increase the risk of accident.
Good health depends on a balance of work, rest and recreation, regular, nutritious meals, adequate sleep; and moderate use of alcohol and tobacco.
Misuse of alcohol or drugs not only affects your general fitness, but also increases your liability to accidents. Never drink alcohol while undergoing treatment with drugs; even common remedies such as aspirin or seasickness tablets may be dangerous when taken with alcohol.
Many serious infectious diseases can be prevented by inoculations and vaccinations, and you should ensure that these are kept up to date. Precautions should be taken against the risk of contracting malaria when visiting certain countries.
Personal cleanliness is also essential, particularly in jobs where prolonged exposure to mineral oils can cause problems, such as dermatitis. You should wash frequently to get rid of the oil. Synthetic detergents, solvents and degreasers, such as turpentine, take the natural oils out of your skin, leaving your hands cracked and vulnerable to damage by other substances. So, use a protective cream or wear rubber or plastic gloves. Other chemicals such as scale and rust
removers have the same effect but can be corrosive; thus, when using these, avoid getting splashes on your face and arms. To prevent infection, clean all cuts
and abrasions, treat them without delay, and protect the areas until they are healed.
When working with asbestos, always wear a face mask and protective clothing.
In hot or humid conditions, take extra salt and drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. In tropical areas, take care to avoid the risks of sunburn and sunstroke.
Sufficient clothing for protection from the cold is the first and most important requirement for survival in cold climates. It not only improves working conditions but is most important in combating hypothermia in survival situation.
- Date modified:
- 2010-01-19
Primary navigation
Marine Transportation
- Ports
- Vessels
- Marine Safety
- Marine Security
- Personnel Training, Examination and Certification
- Emergencies & Environment
Browse Marine Resources
- A-Z Index
- Acts and Regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Services for Canadians
- Publications
- Regions
- Policy, Research and Statistics
- Site Map
