A cross-sectional survey of physical strains among offshore wind farm workers in the German exclusive economic zone.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES:To assess the physical strains of employees in the German offshore wind industry, according to job type and phase of the wind farm (under construction or operation). DESIGN:Web-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING:Offshore wind farm companies operating within the German exclusive economic zone. PARTICIPANTS:Male workers with regular offshore commitments and at least 28 days spent offshore in the past year (n=268). OUTCOME MEASURES:Physical strains (eg, climbing, noise, working overhead, with twisted upper body or in confined spaces, vibration, heavy lifting, humidity, odours). RESULTS:The most frequently mentioned physical strain was 'climbing' with 63.8% of the respondents reporting to be always or frequently confronted with climbing and ascending stairs during offshore work.

SUBMITTER: Velasco Garrido M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5884351 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature