Researchers from Robert Gordon University (RGU) have published a study aimed at supporting safety, wellbeing, and performance for wind technicians
As the offshore wind industry expands to meet global energy and climate goals, researchers from Robert Gordon University (RGU) have published a study aimed at supporting safety, wellbeing, and performance for wind technicians working in high-risk environments
The paper, Human Factors in Onshore and Offshore Wind: A Scoping Review, was written by Dr Ruby Roberts and Professor Rhona Flin and has identified 16 key human factors (HF), ranging from environmental and psychological to organisational, that can affect technician safety and performance during operations and maintenance.
Subsequent work taken from focus group workshops with those working in the industry has highlighted a growing recognition of HF as an essential component when it comes to health and safety management. It also highlights the need for a positive safety culture within the wind industry, where safety is a priority and technicians can speak up without fear of reprisal.
Roberts said: “A safe and competent workforce is essential to the long-term success of the wind industry. Our findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of the human challenges faced by onshore and offshore wind technicians, providing a foundation for future safety interventions.”
“It’s really about understanding the factors that influence technicians’ ability to do their job well – their skills and competencies, how they work in a team, whether they trust each other, and how their organisation supports them.”
Flin added: “By taking a psychological approach, we’re not just looking at equipment and design, we’re examining how people interact with complex systems in their everyday work. This is key to preventing incidents and supporting workforce wellbeing.”
An HF survey launched in collaboration with GWO aims to develop a unique snapshot of what working in the wind sector is like by asking wind workers about the HF they believe impacts their health, safety and productivity. Wind workers can share their views here: Harnessing the Human Factor
