EWEA predicts that by the year 2030 there will be 293,000 working in the European offshore wind industry; an increase of over 250,000 people. This increase will require the industry to come together and ensure the safety of every single one of these workers.
The offshore wind industry, is by large, self-regulatory in regard to health and safety procedures. The emergence of organisations such as the global wind organisation (GWO) and the International marine contractors association (IMCA) shows the move in the industry towards making safety it’s top priority.
These associations are trying to achieve an injury free work environment through setting a common safety standard and trying to promote co-operations between members. There is large amount of support from the companies throughout the industry and also from the European Wind Energy Association itself.
One view that is being voiced throughout the offshore wind industry is that companies should share their health and safety incident data with one another. Through sharing this information, companies will be able to learn from one another and identify any trends or causes of safety incidents.
Certain organisations, including IMCA, are trying to enable this data sharing through the creation of an online portal for companies to record any accidents or lessons learnt. However some companies are against this. An argument is that this could ruin a company’s reputation.
But in contradiction to this argument, Carrianne Matta, VP Health and Safety of Wind Energy Update , explains: “Through sharing data, companies can learn from others mistakes which can only improve a company and the offshore industry. This will ensure accidents are not repeated, saving a company time and money, and most importantly lives!”
In conclusion, recording any information including incidents, near misses or even hazardous observations, can prevent a reoccurrence and help promote the life and safety of those working offshore.
This issue, along with many others including: HSE guidelines, safety culture, training, access options… are being addressed at Wind Energy Update’s second Offshore Wind Health and Safety Summit on the 5-6th December 2012 in Copenhagen.
With speakers from DONG Energy, Siemens, RES Offshore, Gamesa, Mainstream Renewables, GE Energy, RWE Innogy and many more, get the most comprehensive overview and networking experience in the offshore wind health and safety space. Attend and discover how to reduce the frequency of HSE accidents on your offshore wind project.
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Press release, September 10, 2012; Image: DONG Energy