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Jamie Hailstone is a freelance journalist and author, who has also contributed to numerous national business titles including Utility Week, the Municipal Journal, Environment Journal and consumer titles such as Classic Rock.
September 27, 2018

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Offshore Wind

Medical treatment injuries soar in offshore wind sector

The number of medical treatment injuries in the offshore wind industry has risen by 86%, according to a new report.

Offshore Wind FarmThe G+ Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation’s Incident Data Report 2017 shows medical treatment injuries almost doubled between 2016 and 2017, rising from 42 to 78.

The report also reveals there were no fatalities again last year, despite a 23% increase in the number of hours being worked by G+ employees.

It also shows the number of lost work day incidents rose from 43 in 2016 to 49 in 2017, but the number of restricted work day incidents fell from 35 to 30 over the same time period.

There were also 46 fewer high potential incidents were reported than the previous year.

In addition, it states there were 32 incidents in 2017, which resulted in an emergency response or a medical evacuation.

Of the 2,200 reported incidents across the operators last year, 483 involved marine operations, 320 involved lifting operations and 293 incidents occurred when gaining access or climbing.

Around a quarter (521) of the reported incidents occurred on wind turbines, 616 occurred on vessels and 959 occurred onshore.

The G+ group represents the nine leading offshore wind operators in the sector.

As well as the Incident Data Report 2017, it has also published new Working At Height guidance, which is aimed at helping those who work in potentially hazardous offshore wind environments.

“These reports provide industry with invaluable data and good practice to make sure that health and safety standards remain industry’s absolute priority,” said G+ Chairman and Innogy Renewables UK Managing Director, Paul Cowling.

“G+ continues to play a vital role shining a spotlight on safety and best practice through these reports, as well as continually driving improvement.”

The Incident Data Report 2017 is available to read here.

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