offshore wind
injuries

Offshore wind turbines are beginning to be installed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey as wind energy has become the preferred renewable energy source promoted by the government. These projects are in hazardous and remote locations. In one of the most quickly changing environments on the planet seamen and other maritime workers are faced with unique risks in a brand new industry. 

 

While the offshore wind industry is forecasted to pump millions of dollars into our local economies, creating jobs both ashore and at sea, the industry is also primed to make billions of dollars in profit in the coming years. Profit is great news for shareholders but unfortunately a simple truth is that profit is many times boosted by cutting corners. Safety to the men and women who work in this industry should never be sacrificed for the sake of shareholder profit. In such a new frontier the industry cannot be allowed to cut costs when it comes to risk mitigation. These corporations must have risk management programs in place to:

• Identify potential hazards at onshore facilities, aboard each vessel, at the site and during transit.

• Determine optimal times for operations in order to avoid adverse and hazardous conditions. 

• Plan to not only avoid but to deal with high-risk areas and or hazardous situations.

• Allocate appropriate resources in order to avoid and or encounter identified hazards.

• Develop the most proper operating procedures.

• Institute training programs in order to disseminate best practices and procedures.

• Develop crew preparedness for specific adverse conditions and/or hazardous situations.

• Regularly review and update their processes for better long-term performance and mitigation.