New jobs
The offshore sector in Poland, ensuring energy security, will develop dynamically in the coming decades. Work carried out during the construction of power plants is often associated with high risks. Working conditions in this industry are usually demanding and appropriate security measures must be applied. The operation and construction of offshore wind farms will involve thousands of new employees. It is estimated that with the development of Polish offshore wind energy, about 70 thousand new jobs will be created. Among others, technicians, service technicians and operators of CTV units, as well as many other specialists will be in demand.
The offshore industry requires specific specializations and competencies. People involved in construction, manufacturing and security as well as digitalisation and administration will be needed. Many offshore jobs will require disguising and acquiring new skills that will respond to the challenges of this job market. Currently, some campuses and research centers in Poland already offer this type of jobs, e.g. in IT departments.
The development of offshore energy is a huge potential of the so-called. Inhalt lokale (supply chain), i.e. the need for skilled workers who have the right set of competencies necessary to work in the new market. This is important for sustainable economic development and increasing the competitiveness of local businesses. What does this mean for a potential employee? A greater number of job offers on the local market, including with Polish employers.
What are, for example, professions in the offshore area?
Specialized:
- Wind Turbine Service Technician
- Wind Power Engineer
- CTV Unit Operator (Crew Transfer Vessel)
- Project Manager
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Offshore Crane Operator
Less specialized:
- Person employed in a manufacturing plant
- Logistics Assistant
- Recruitment Assistant
- Administrative assistance
The fields of study ordered during recruitment in the offshore industry include: automation and robotics, administration, marine engineering, energy, project management. Jobs will be, so arrive in different areas It is therefore particularly important to ensure the safety of employees by providing professional occupational health and safety training tailored to the area concerned.
Decalogue of Security
In response to the upcoming challenges, within the framework of the Offshore Best Practices Center project led by the Foundation for Sustainable Energy (FNEZ), a Decalogue of Safety of the Polish Offshore Energy Industry was created, which was discussed during a workshop dedicated to offshore with the participation of experts, industry representatives and administration.
It is a guide that contains the most important principles concerning daily habits, the recipients of the safety culture and the organizational culture. W&W Consulting, CIOP-PIB and HSE Energy participated in the workshops and consensus-building around the safety culture of the Polish wind energy industry. The honorary patronage of the event was taken by the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy, the Chief Labor Inspector and the Central Institute of Labor Protection - State Research Institute.
FNEZ, as a foundation whose the aim is to promote and act for the implementation of the principles of sustainable development in the energy sector, ensuring that the set of values responds to the social issue of security.
The key values contained in the Security Decalogue are:
- Develop habits and activities that are key elements that organize the whole safety culture. Although laws and regulations are essential, the basis for thinking about security should be a social change in its perception.
- Safety values are aimed primarily at people — they aim to protect ourselves, employees, customers and suppliers.
- A modern, friendly and caring company is a safe company, free from consequences and costs resulting from accidents.
- The slogan “Safety First” guides all activities related to the organization of the offshore industry.
In Poland, there is still a lack of appropriate legal regulations that would be dedicated to the offshore sector. Currently, the only legal act concerning this industry is the Regulation of the Minister of Energy of 28 August 2019 on occupational safety and health at energy equipment. However, regulations are still needed on the construction of offshore wind farms, not just their operation.
The Decalogue of Security is an ethical foundation that is intended to be the basis for further action in the context of the offshore environment and legislation. Important aspects of the Decalogue also include an individual approach to companies implementing OSH training, regular educational campaigns, cooperation with various stakeholders (employees, employers and government institutions), as well as monitoring and evaluation of good practices in response to changing conditions. The promotion of a culture of safety should be transparent.
During the development of the Decalogue, issues related to digitalization and its role in the future of the offshore sector were also addressed. It was emphasized that digitalization is an integral part of shaping a culture of occupational safety and an important element facilitating the implementation of OSH. Modern tools promote transparency, accessibility and further building security at many levels.
The culmination of the discussion on the Decalogue was the emphasis on the key role of the management staff. According to the principle “Example goes from above”, it was considered that their attitude influences the propagation of the right patterns. However, for a safety culture to function fully, engagement at every level of work is essential.
The development of the Polish offshore wind energy industry is a turning point that requires maximum attention to the safety of employees. The Decalogue of Security is a key document expressing values that have been developed together with the most important stakeholders related to the offshore industry.
