Establishing safe working conditions and providing on-site expert medical care has always been of paramount importance for all major offshore projects.
We talked with our Recruitment Manager, Trish Barnes, to find out how RMI is leading the way when it comes to preparing for the unexpected – and ensuring windfarm medics have training in place before they are deployed.
A day in the life of an offshore medic
Companies like RMI have been operating in the renewables sector since its infancy. Our medics have significant experience in renewable settings, particularly offshore wind.
Trish says: “The increased awareness of health and safety during COVID means that we are supporting more firms than ever to keep sites both operational and safe with experienced medics with the right certifications and qualifications.â€
All windfarms require highly qualified medics who are prepared and able to work in often volatile environments, including sub-zero extreme weather conditions. They are responsible for providing first response and emergency medical care for personnel working on the turbines. Risks to turbine workers who work at height and in extreme weather conditions require medics who are trained and able to climb up inside the nacelle. Climbing medics can provide emergency care and safely retrieve the injured party to continue their care and recovery offsite.
Trish added: “As well as responding to emergency care situations which occur at the windfarms, RMI medics maintain a presence on vessels on some of the world’s biggest wind farms.â€
Through the continued presence of a medic at the worksite, RMI can deliver basic first aid and health promotion training to turbine engineers, which educates them about managing the risks of the job.
Going above and beyond
So how do we do this? All RMI medics working on offshore wind farms are accredited by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO). GWO is a non-profit body founded by leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators. It sets the international standard for safety training and emergency procedures in the wind industry. Before starting on any project, it is compulsory for RMI medics to complete the GWO Basic Training modules, which include Fire Awareness, First Aid, Manual Handling, Working at Height, and Sea Survival, alongside role-specific training.
RMI sets a very high bar and is committed to only employing the best.
Trish echoes this: “Recruitment and training remain a priority for us, and as we continue to expand, we are proactively searching for and onboarding medical staff through our rigorous qualification process.â€
Get in touch today
Consider placing RMI medics in the medic roles on your offshore wind projects to keep your employees healthy and safe while they build our global renewable energy supply.