Fish Farm Divers Injured at Work

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Can You Claim if Your Employer was Negligent

Working as a diver in the fish farming industry is a challenging job and fish farm divers injured at work may seek compensation if hurt in an accident involving employer negligence. In the aquaculture industry, attention tends to focus on surface workers and harvesters. However, fish farm divers face unique risks, including entanglement in nets, hazardous underwater machinery or oxygen and gas-related dangers.

But when such injuries occur because of employer negligence or unsafe working practices, divers may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for compensation.

The Hidden Dangers of Fish Farm Diving

Fish farms utilise divers for a range of essential tasks. This can include inspecting and repairing submerged cages, checking structural integrity, cleaning nets, and maintaining underwater infrastructure. Although these tasks are vital, they bring substantial risks.

1. Entanglement in Nets

One of the most common and dangerous risks facing fish farm divers is becoming entangled in nets or ropes. A diver can become caught up while performing routine maintenance or inspections. Once tangled, it can become difficult to surface or even access the diver to assist in rescue. Being trapped underwater can lead to severe injuries, panic if not addressed promptly. Unfortunately, lines, nets and debris may trap underwater workers.

2. Underwater Machinery and Equipment Risks

Fish farms use machinery such as pumps, winches, cutting tools and other powered equipment to maintain operations. These machines might be submerged or in transit points between the surface and underwater environments. When divers work in proximity to heavy, moving machinery, there’s a risk of crush injuries or lacerations.

External factors such as tides, weather conditions, and poor visibility may compound these risks. Employers are required to maintain machinery, train divers on safe operation, and enforce protective measures.

3. Oxygen and Gas‑Related Hazards

Divers depend on reliable air supply systems, and interruptions or malfunctions can present a serious threat. Common issues include:

• Reduced oxygen supply or depletion of breathing gas
• Contaminated or poorly maintained air systems
• Rapid ascent leading to decompression sickness (“the bends”)

Decompression sickness and other gas exchange injuries have the potential to cause long‑term health complications if not immediately recognised and treated.

When Can a Fish Farm Diver Claim Personal Injury Compensation?

If you’re a fish farm diver injured at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation when your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, breach of legal duty, or unsafe practices.

Employers are required reasonable steps to protect employees’ health and safety under health and safety protocols. These covers everything from risk assessments and training to safe equipment maintenance and emergency procedures. If your employer failed to put adequate safeguards in place and you were injured as a result, this could form the basis of a personal injury claim.

For divers specifically, the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 apply, which includes maintenance of daily records for diving operations and comprehensive dive planning and supervision.

A breach of any of these duties, for example, sending a diver without correct certification, failing to monitor gas supplies, or neglecting to remove faulty equipment – may open the door to a claim. You must be able to prove that your injury was caused by a breach by your employer.

Time Limits for Claims

For most personal injury cases, you must begin a claim within three years of the date of the injury – or the date you knew the injury was linked to the work incident. Missing this timeframe can mean losing your right to seek compensation.

Typical Injuries That Qualify for Compensation

The types of injuries that may support a compensation claim cover a wide severity range. Some common examples may include:

• Physical trauma from entanglement or machinery contact — such as fractures, cuts, or crush injuries
• Respiratory injuries or decompression sickness due to inadequate gas supply or rapid ascent
• Permanent disability or reduced capacity to work after a diving incident

You can seek compensation for both general damages, such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life and special damages, which cover financial losses such as lost wages.

What to Do After a Fish Farm Diving Injury

Taking the right steps after an injury can make the difference in successfully claiming compensation:

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Medical reports are key evidence.
2. Report the incident to your employer and record details. An official record strengthens your case.
3. Collect evidence. Photos, witness statements, dive logs, and equipment maintenance records all help.
4. Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor. Lawyers with experience in workplace injuries can guide you through the claim process.
5. Avoid settling too quickly. Early offers from insurers may not fully cover long‑term impacts. Legal advice ensures your interests are protected.

Contact Us

Fish farm divers perform demanding work in environments which inherently carry high risk. Although safety regulations aim to reduce these risks, employers do not always follow or enforce them properly. If negligence caused injury to you or a loved one, you may be able to claim compensation.

We partner with experienced lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial, free telephone consultation.