Mitigating occupational health and safety risks in the proposed Australian offshore wind energy industry: lessons from the safety case regime

Abstract

The offshore wind energy industry is growing at an encouraging rate, and Australia is seeking to commence offshore wind development. Although there is research on the planning and environmental risks, there is limited research addressing health and safety risks. Some scholars argue the two industries are different, while others support the application of offshore petroleum safety to wind. This article analyses whether the industries have many similarities, and whether the safety case provides the most robust safety regulatory framework for both industries, concluding that Australia’s approach is a solid foundation for safety in the developing wind industry.