🦺 Offshore wind had a recordable injury rate three times higher than oil and gas between 2005 and 2023 (source: G+ and IOGP). Personnel delivering and operating offshore wind projects face multiple risks in a severe and exposed operational environment, with tasks that require working at height, in enclosed spaces, with electrical systems, conducting lifting operations, and transferring from the boat to the platform. The oil and gas industry has matured their systems over decades of experience, and refining safety practices and policies to build a strong safety culture that encourages proactive prevention of accidents. So how can offshore wind developers learn from that experience to reduce the likelihood of incidents in these complex offshore environments? Principle Power employs a systematic and proactive approach to managing risks, within our certified Management System, and through established methodologies such as HAZID, HAZOP, ENVID, and EERA. We embed safety into company culture and continuously apply lessons learned into design processes and operational procedures across every design and project phase. To deliver 1 TWh of energy production, Principle Power has invested over 1,130,000 person-hours in the design, construction, and operations of floating wind projects and has experienced zero lost time injuries. “Our processes ensure compliance at all levels and enable us to identify risks and opportunities early, throughout all stages of product development, extending to Operation and Maintenance and end of asset life management. The integration of risk controls into our proven tools and workflows, helps our team, our customers and other project stakeholders navigate risks and address them proactively.” Pedro Baptista, VP QHSE #PrinciplePower #WindFloat #RenewableEnergy #OffshoreWind #FloatingWind
Recently, I have been helping Renewable Energy companies to develop HSE policies and procedures based on best practices from the oil and gas Industry, rather than "reinventing the wheel". From a Health and Safety perspective there are many similar risks - Working at Height, Working Over Water, Adverse Weather Conditions, Heavy Lifts, Diving, Marine Vessels, Helicopters etc.
Senior Project Manager EDG
2dFirst, 3 times higher recordable injury rate is not acceptable. Secondly, Principle Power is commendable for shining a light to this issue. I cringe every time I see workers trying to install a turbine or a blade few hundred feet up in the air. Thirdly, the whole industry needs to rethink the process in order to eliminate the risk. Risk management or mitigation may not be sufficient.