RenewableUK launches new health and safety accord covering entire wind and marine energy sector

RenewableUK is launching a new accord today which allows its member companies to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the highest health and safety standards in wind, wave and tidal energy.

Signing up to the accord means that companies are committing themselves publicly to supporting a common set of shared values and principles in health and safety. These include taking a pro-active lead on health and safety matters, ensuring the right training is in place, supporting the needs of workers and sharing best practice. Those who sign up are eligible for a certificate demonstrating their commitment.

The new accord builds upon the existing Offshore Accord launched in 2011, which has been signed by 87 companies involved in the offshore wind sector, including leaders in the industry. The decision to widen its remit to cover onshore wind as well as offshore, and marine energy, follows the successful implementation of the original agreement.

RenewableUK’s Director of Health & Safety, Chris Streatfeild, said “This accord reinforces the UK’s commitment to being a leader in the field of health and safety. It sends a clear signal that the industry takes these matters extremely seriously and works as hard as possible to reduce risks. Signing up to this agreement will ensure that these commitments are implemented rigorously. We invite all employers, contractors and supply chain partners across the entire wind and marine energy sector to take part”.

Alan Chivers, RenewableUK’s Board Director for health & safety matters added: “This is a great opportunity to achieve further alignment within the industry. It builds on the success of the Offshore Accord which has already proved its worth. The highest health and safety standards are at the core of everything we do, so it makes sense to enshrine these values in a wider formal accord”.