Renewables’ poor record under fire

The rate of lost time injuries in offshore renewables was four times as high in 2020 as in offshore oil and gas, itself a high hazard industry, the Prospect specialists’ union reports.

It says that while the renewables industry has witnessed massive growth in the last decade, that has not been accompanied by the robust health and safety processes found in other forms of energy generation.

The union further reports that following serious incidents in the UK and elsewhere, the Health and Safety Executive “was forced to intervene”, writing to the G+ and SafetyOn employers’ health and safety bodies covering offshore and onshore wind.

The safety enforcement body warned that “improvement in health and safety performance has at best stalled if not reversed”.

And it highlighted concerns including fatigue, cost reductions, training and supervision and inspections of work equipment.

In order to respond to the climate emergency, estimates suggest a 400,000-strong skilled energy workforce will be needed over the next three decades to deliver net zero.

“To achieve this, the renewables industry must be welcoming and inclusive for all new employees, and ensuring their safety, health and dignity is a key part of this,” says Prospect.

In a new booklet and poster, it sets out demands to improve health and safety.

These include calling on the government to extend the scope of laws that govern consultation with employees and their representatives to offshore renewables.

https://library.prospect.org.uk/download/2021/00752