Concerns have been raised about respiratory illness among workers in Scotland’s salmon industry as a union launches a survey to investigate what has become known as “salmon asthma”.
The Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union says chemicals known as bioaerosols may be causing breathing problems for workers in salmon processing and production facilities.
The union has warned that there has been little public guidance or analysis from the industry, the Health and Safety Executive, or government bodies about how exposure to these airborne particles should be controlled.
The survey aims to gather evidence from workers across the sector to better understand how widespread respiratory conditions may be and what protections are currently in place.
The move follows a submission by the union to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, which is examining the salmon farming sector.
The issue has particular relevance for communities across the Highlands and Islands where salmon farming and processing remain major employers.
Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess said the concerns being raised by workers should be taken seriously.
“It is deeply troubling to hear that workers in Scotland’s salmon industry may be suffering serious respiratory harm simply for doing their jobs.
“If ‘salmon asthma’ is affecting workers, and regulators and governments are failing even to acknowledge it publicly, that is a shame on Scotland.
“Workers should never have to choose between earning a living and protecting their health.
“The reports emerging from Norway, where research in this has been ongoing for years, make it all the more concerning that there appears to be little discussion, advice or mitigation guidance here in Scotland.
“UK and Scottish governments are giving millions of taxpayers’ money to the wealthy, foreign-owned salmon farming corporations and yet could be failing to ensure workers in Scotland are safe.
“I commend the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union for stepping in by gathering evidence, listening to workers and demanding answers.
“Their survey is an important first step in understanding the scale of the problem.
“I would urge any salmon industry worker experiencing respiratory symptoms to take part in the union’s survey so that their voices are heard and the evidence base is strengthened.”
The union says the survey will help build a clearer picture of how bioaerosols may be affecting workers and what action may be needed to improve safety standards.
