Dropped objects risk tackled

The publication of the Reliable securing booklet for offshore wind by G+ Global Offshore Wind health and safety organisation/DROPS in partnership with the Energy Institute, has been approved by Dropsafe, which highlighted that these new guidelines constitute an essential first step in transferring lessons learnt from other high-risk offshore industries such as oil & gas.

“The G+ guidelines for the first time lay out a clear, practical pathway for Offshore Wind asset owners regarding the precautions they should be taking against Dropped Objects. It is essential that these guidelines are adopted if asset owners are to keep their employees safe and operate their offshore wind farms cost effectively” said Mike Rice, commercial director of Dropsafe.

60% reduction in incidents

Publication of the reliable securing guidelines has come off the back of 2018 safety statistics released by G+, which demonstrate a 60% reduction in dropped object incidents on offshore wind farms compared to 2017, however the industry still needs to work on adopting best practice prevention systems.

Dropsafe attests that the G+ reliable securing guidelines will address a longstanding gap in industry safety. They will inform sector decision makers not only of the specific Dropped Object risks entailed in Offshore Wind development and operation, but also – critically – of the prevention systems they should install.

The G+ reliable securing guidelines recommend the use of dropped object prevention technology, including barrier systems, tethering nets and pouches.

By Rebecca Jeffrey