Media releases

The G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation (G+), supported by the Energy Institute (EI), has published the 2016 health and safety statistics for the offshore wind sector. When comparing 2016 performance against what was reported in 2015, the performance is broadly unchanged although there has been a reduction in the Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR).

The TRIR and Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) are established safety performance indicators and for 2016 are summarised below:

For 2016, the incident data report shows there were a total of 987 reported incidents. The LTIF and TRIR provide a comparison of health and safety performance across the sector and are calculated using the data below.

• 21.73 million hours worked
• 43 Lost work day incidents
• 35 Restricted work day incidents
• 42 Medical treatment injuries

It was in 2013 that the G+ (formerly the G9) started reporting on the health and safety performance across their offshore wind farm sites. Since this time the reporting requirements have evolved and improved and these are now well recognised as the most authoritative sources of H&S statistics to call upon in the offshore wind industry.

Jonathan Cole, Managing Director – Offshore, ScottishPower Renewables and Chairman – G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation, said:

“The publication of this data provides the industry with valuable, ongoing insight into safety performance, not only against previous years within the G+ but also against other comparable industrial sectors.

“I am pleased to see a reduction in the overall TRIR number reported, but it is important to understand the reasons behind these numbers in order to identify where the risks are presenting themselves, and whether collectively the industry through the G+ needs to respond by initiating new projects or workstreams.”

The publication of regular incident data reports is one of the measures by which the G+ is demonstrating leadership in health and safety across the industry, which was highlighted by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as a crucial role at their Offshore wind leaders event held in 2015.

To download a copy of the 2016 report, please visit www.gplusoffshorewind.com/hse-statistics. Copies of the report will also be available at the EI/G+ stand S-L4 at Offshore Wind Energy 2017 on 06 – 08 June.

Notes for editors

1. The G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation (G+) brings together the world’s largest renewable energy developers to form a group that places health and safety at the forefront of all offshore wind activity and developments. The G+ aims to create and deliver world class safety performance across all of its activities in the offshore wind industry. By working closely together, senior executives of all member companies will not only commit resources from their own respective teams, but will meet and actively lead the industry in finding solutions to the safety challenges that offshore wind projects face. The group intends to build upon the existing focus given to health and safety and deliver the necessary leadership and focus for the industry. The work of the G+ is funded by its founder members and its main activities will be to engage with stakeholders across Europe, share learning and identify best practices that will be commended to the entire industry. For more information, please visit www.gplusoffshorewind.com

2. The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading chartered professional membership body for the energy industry, supporting over 23,000 individuals working in or studying energy and 250 energy companies worldwide. The EI provides learning and networking opportunities to support professional development, as well as professional recognition and technical and scientific knowledge resources on energy in all its forms and applications. The EI’s purpose is to develop and disseminate knowledge, skills and good practice towards a safe, secure and sustainable energy system. A registered charity, the EI serves society with independence, professionalism and a wealth of expertise in energy matters. For more information, please visit www.energyinst.org

3. For further information, please contact:

Lydia Malley, Engagement Manager, Energy Institute

t: +44 (0)20 7467 7184, e: lmalley@energyinst.org