Offshore wind farms are central to the global clean energy transition, but their remote locations and harsh marine conditions present significant health and safety (HSE) challenges. This article explores how HSE standards are implemented in offshore wind projects worldwide, outlining key risks and practical solutions for mitigation.
Unique health and safety challenges offshore
Offshore wind operations face a higher risk profile than many other energy sectors, particularly during construction and maintenance phases. Workers contend with adverse weather, unpredictable sea conditions, and complex heavy equipment. While offshore oil and gas have historically had higher incident rates overall, certain offshore wind tasks, such as personnel transfer, are known to present elevated risks.
Regulatory frameworks and regional differences
The application of HSE standards varies globally, depending on national legislation. In the UK, for example, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and accompanying regulations, such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, apply both onshore and offshore, covering offshore wind activities within the UK’s territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) and, in some cases, within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under specific legislation [1].
In other regions, legislation and regulatory oversight may differ significantly, and operators must adapt their safety management systems accordingly. Knowing these regional differences is important to make sure health and safety rules are properly followed.
Aligning with international best practices
Despite regional variations, many offshore wind projects worldwide reference international standards to guide health and safety management. The International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Wind Energy serve as a widely respected benchmark, outlining Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) [2]. These guidelines advocate a lifecycle approach to safety, from initial planning and environmental assessments through construction, operation, and decommissioning, making sure that safety is integrated from the earliest stages.
As well as international frameworks, Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation (G+) provides essential guidance and initiatives that promote best practice in health and safety across the global offshore wind sector [3]. Their work includes comprehensive incident data reporting, development of good practice guidance, “Safe by Design” workshops that integrate safety into early project stages, and sharing lessons learned from incidents [4]. These collaborative efforts let members identify risks, improve controls, and reduce incidents industry-wide.
Technological solutions and workforce training
To manage offshore-specific risks, the industry is increasingly adopting digital technologies such as remote monitoring systems, real-time weather tracking, and predictive maintenance analytics [5]. These tools enhance situational awareness, allowing teams to detect and respond to emerging threats more effectively.
Equally important are tailored safety training programmes designed to build technical skills, emergency preparedness, and effective coordination among diverse, multidisciplinary teams operating in challenging offshore environments.
G+ supports knowledge sharing and expertise exchange through its regional Focal Groups across Europe, APAC, and North America, fostering continuous improvement in safety culture [6].
Planning for the full project lifecycle
Effective health and safety management goes beyond construction to cover operations, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. Each phase presents unique risks – from lone working during routine inspections to complex and hazardous dismantling operations. To maintain safety, risk assessments and protocols must be regularly reviewed and updated in line with evolving conditions and technological advancements.
Prioritising people in a growing industry
Offshore wind is important to global decarbonisation efforts, but its growth shouldn’t compromise worker safety. By implementing comprehensive and regionally appropriate health and safety standards and fostering collaboration across stakeholders, the industry can minimise risks and protect its workforce.
At Barrington Energy, we’re dedicated to promoting safe and responsible renewable energy development. Through thorough planning, innovative technology, and adherence to best practices, we support a sustainable offshore wind sector built on safety, resilience, and performance.
References:
- https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/analysis/health-safety-risk-uk-offshore-wind-projects
- https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2015/publications-policy-ehs-wind-energy
- https://www.gplusoffshorewind.com/about
- https://www.gplusoffshorewind.com/work-programme/workstreams/workshops
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S294973612400085X
- https://www.gplusoffshorewind.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/776662/G-Brochure-2025.pdf
