The number of incidents at offshore wind farms remained low in 2021, despite a record year for project development, according to new data from G+.
The global offshore wind health and safety organisation said its members reported 32 million hours were worked last year at sites across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, up almost 30% on the previous year.
A total of 106 incidents were reported across the sector, with the number of recordable injuries the second lowest on record, G+ said in its ‘2021 Incident Data Report’.
Last year was the second year running with a decrease in the total recordable injury rate and lost time injury frequency, representing a 16% and 11% decrease respectively, the organisation said.
G+ chair and director of offshore wind at Vattenfall Jakob Nielsen said: “With our industry thriving, I’m truly proud of the role G+ has played in helping deliver one of the safest years on record.
“This is the ninth year we have collected industry safety data, providing a solid bedrock with which to benchmark industry performance.
“While progress must be welcomed, G+ remains committed to better understanding the issues behind the incidents to improve safety performance further.”
Energy Institute chief executive Nick Wayth said: “Collaboration is the cornerstone of G+, with industry coming together to monitor and mitigate emerging health and safety risks, and we’re proud to host it at the Energy Institute.
“This report gives a clear indication of the robust focus on health and safety in this growing sector – a vital component of our energy mix on our collective journey to net zero.”
G+, now in its 10th year of existence, comprises 10 leading operators – Corio Generation, EDF Renewables, Equinor, Ocean Winds, Orsted, RWE, ScottishPower Renewables, Siemens Gamesa, SSE, Vattenfall – as well as many associate members.