A cross-sectional survey of physical strains among offshore wind farm workers in the German exclusive economic zone

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the physical strains of employees in the German offshore wind industry, according to job type and phase of the wind farm (under construction or operation).DesignWeb-based cross-sectional survey.SettingOffshore wind farm companies operating within the German exclusive economic zone.ParticipantsMale workers with regular offshore commitments and at least 28 days spent offshore in the past year (n=268).Outcome measuresPhysical strains (eg, climbing, noise, working overhead, with twisted upper body or in confined spaces, vibration, heavy lifting, humidity, odours).ResultsThe most frequently mentioned physical strain was ’climbing’ with 63.8% of the respondents reporting to be always or frequently confronted with climbing and ascending stairs during offshore work. Work as a technician was associated with a greater exposition to noise, vibrations, humidity, cold, heat, chemical substances, lifting/carrying heavy loads, transport of equipment, working in non-ergonomic positions and in cramped spaces, as well as climbing.Indeed, statistical analyses showed that, after adjusting for phase of the wind farm, age, nationality, offshore experience, work schedule and type of shift, compared with non-technicians, working as a technician was associated with more frequently lifting/carrying of heavy loads (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.23), transport of equipment (OR 2.06 95% CI 1.27 to 3.33), working with a twisted upper body (OR 2.85 95% CI 1.74 to 4.69), working overhead (OR 2.77 95% CI 1.67 to 4.58) and climbing (OR 2.30 95% CI 1.40 to 3.77). Working in wind farms under construction was strongly associated with increased and decreased exposure to humidity (OR 2.32 95% CI 1.38 to 3.92) and poor air quality (OR 0.58 95% CI 0.35 to 0.95), respectively.ConclusionsWorkers on offshore wind farms constitute a heterogeneous group, including a wide variety of occupations. The degree of exposure to detrimental physical strains varies depending on the type of job. Technicians are more exposed to ergonomic challenges than other offshore workers.

Physical influences on seafarers are different during their voyage episodes of port stay, river passage and sea passage: A maritime field study

“…The monotonous noise of the vessel's engine, the smooth ship's vibrations and the continuous slow ship's movements (during calm weather conditions) can lead to sleepiness of the shipboard crew. Higher levels of exposition to noise and vibrations can also increase sleep problems and poorer sleep quality [4]. It has also been described that sudden noise evoked by the handling of containers in harbors can interrupt sleep periods on board [5].…”

Workplace health promotion for employees working in offshore wind parks in the German exclusive economic zone: a mixed-methods study

“…’) and provided them with a free-text field to explain their views. In addition, the survey consisted of further scales that are presented elsewhere (eg, 21 ).…”

“…Although work in offshore branches has certain features in common (eg, remote workplaces and long work shifts), there remain distinctive differences, for example, in terms of the industries’ regulations and the extension of work areas. 21 30 Contrary to oil and gas workers, offshore wind workers must be transferred frequently to the offshore installations by ship or helicopter. They work on wind turbines at high altitudes and carry special safety equipment.…”

“…They work on wind turbines at high altitudes and carry special safety equipment. 21 These particularities could be linked to specific health hazards for the workforce, such as an increased risk of falls from height or accidents during the transfer.…”

“…Moreover, employees’ age could play a role, as evidence suggests a tendency for older workers to be less likely to participate in health promotion activities. 5 The phase of the offshore wind park could also influence employees’ levels of awareness and use: a recent study has indicated work in the construction phase to be associated with higher physical demands (eg, higher levels of climbing and carrying heavy loads), 21 which could influence employees’ participation rates. Moreover, we aimed to examine employees’ reasons for (non-)participation in offers and their needs and wishes for health promotion activities offshore.…”