Forewind has been awarded runner-up in the annual Renewable Energy Health and Safety Award for the third year in a row, for its case study on the use of remotely operated aerial vehicles to inspect meteorological masts on Dogger Bank offshore wind farm.
The Renewable Energy Health and Safety Award was introduced three years ago by The Crown Estate, in conjunction with RenewableUK, to promote the importance of health and safety in the offshore wind energy sector.
Forewind came runner-up this year for its initiative which was adapted from an oil and gas industry technique. Remotely operated aerial vehicles (ROAV) were used for the bolt and structural inspections of its two meteorological masts, removing a number of potential risk situations for offshore personnel including: working at height; undertaking vessel transfers, and working in harnesses suspended on ropes over the sea.
The organisation’s Operations and HSE Manager Nachaat Tahmaz said that by being awarded runner-up for three years in a row Forewind has demonstrated its consistent commitment contribute to strengthening the focus on health and safety in the renewables industry.
“An excellent health and safety performance is necessary for commercial success, and Forewind has aimed to be an industry leader in this arena,” he said.
Forewind was runner up in 2013 for its case study on vessel crews undertaking in-harbour enactments of their planned survey activities before heading offshore, and again in 2014 for its the “human-free” installation technique used to place the lattice towers of the meteorological masts on top of awaiting foundations.
The winner of this year’s award was RWE Innogy, in recognition of its Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Offshore Emergency Response Team.
The announcement of the award winners was made on the eve of RenewableUK’s annual Health and Safety Conference, which took place in Birmingham.
Image: Forewind