New health and safety regulation for offshore renewables (aka windfarms)

HSE has identified the renewable energy sectors as one of those to be targeted for the future.

Renewable energy is central to the Government's strategy to secure a diverse energy supply and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. The Government has set a target to generate 10% of our electricity supply from renewable sources by 2010. Onshore wind farms already make a considerable contribution in the UK and the Government plan to develop larger scale wind farms offshore.

In terms of health and safety, this sector presents a unique mix of challenges ranging from the traditional risks including slips and trips to sector specific risks including wind energy risks, electrocution and fire, large waves, diving activities and working on boats/ships.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (Application Outside Great Britain) (Variation) Order 2009 which came into force on 5 August 2009 was developed to plug some of the legislative gaps which existed in the legislation applying to these sectors. For example, energy structures which were beyond the territorial sea (more than 12 nautical miles from the coast) and installations that were beyond this area but had changed use were not covered by comprehensive laws leaving workers unprotected.

The Order is a temporary measure and HSE intend to carry out a full formal consultation on a replacement piece of legislation to be put in place by 5th April 2011. It is intended that the legislation will be underpinned by sector specific guidance and procedures.