Collaborative IMCA and G+ Workshop advances safety for Walk to Work 

Following regulator feedback, offshore safety organisations combine forces to find new solutions to improving safety for Walk to Work. 

A Workshop focusing on Walk to Work, organised by IMCA and the Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation (G+), took place on Tuesday 9 April 2024 at the Energy Institute in London. Attendees, who were drawn from across the membership bases of the two organisations, explored ways of improving safety and performance by placing an emphasis on greater collaboration.  

Over 50 experts on the topic attended, including Rhys Jones, Technical Adviser – Marine Renewable Energy, IMCA and Board Member Kate Harvey from G+, as well as equipment providers, vessel owners, vessel operators, asset owners and asset operators. Together, they aimed to identify deficiencies and areas for improvement in the way that Walk to Work systems are designed, integrated into vessels, procured, operated, and maintained.  

Following specific concerns raised with the sector by regulators, its conclusions will inform future Guidance, including the upcoming review and revision of Guidelines for walk-to-work operations (IMCA M254), and support the Marine Renewable Energy Committee’s new working group on the topic.  

Rhys Jones commented: “Through this Workshop we were able to gain invaluable insight from Members and the sector more broadly, which will not only enable to us to improve our recommended practice but improve safety with Walk to Work Systems. We will continue to engage on this topic in the months ahead, including at IMCA’s DP Conference in Amsterdam in May.” 

Jim Cullen, IMCA Technical Director commented: “I’d like to thank IMCA Board Member G+ for co-hosting another successful event with us. Both organisations aim to improve safety and performance in the offshore industry, and collaboration between the sector is crucial to our continued development of life saving best practice. This workshop was an excellent example of how our combined expertise and close partnership, as well as our ability to bring the industry together achieves that.” 

As part of the revision process, a further workshop on the topic will be held at the IMCA DP Conference on Tuesday 21 May and Wednesday 22 May 2024 in Amsterdam. Tickets are still available.