Offshore windmill

Staff, students and general public needed for research study

3 min read

The purpose of the study is to identify simple to use fitness tests that predict performance on job tasks associated with the offshore wind industry.

Longer study description

The fight against climate change and the need for energy security have emphasised the importance of offshore wind energy. As a result, the global expansion of offshore wind farms is occurring rapidly, leading to an increased demand for wind technicians. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of these technicians in carrying out their essential tasks, it is crucial to establish a standard that assesses their physical capability. The University of Portsmouth is seeking volunteers who can assist in identifying fitness tests that are simple to use yet accurately predict performance on job tasks associated with the offshore wind industry, such as ladder climbing and lifting and carrying a jerry can.

We are specifically looking for volunteers aged 18 and over who engage in regular physical exercise. If you choose to participate, you will be compensated up to £70 for your time. If you are interested in contributing to this important research, please contact Dr. Gemma Milligan (gemma.milligan@port.ac.uk). Your involvement will contribute to the development of a robust standard that ensures the offshore wind workforce is physically capable of carrying out their duties safely and effectively.

What will participants be doing?

Participants will be asked to undertake a series of fitness assessments (e.g. measures of strength and a 6 minute cycle test) and job simulations including manual handling, casualty recovery and ladder climbing. 

Participants will be required to attend sessions on 8 separate occasions that are separated by a minimum of 48 hours with all testing completed within a 3 to 6 weeks of the first session.

Duration

Sessions 1 to 7 will last a maximum of 45 minutes. Session 8 will last a maximum of 1.5 hours.

Apply

Please contact Dr Gemma Milligan (gemma.milligan@port.ac.uk) to apply for this study. Any questions should be directed to Dr Milligan.

Participant characteristics:

  • participants should undertake regular physical activity
  • staff, students and the general public
  • any gender
  • aged 18-65

Reward

Participants will receive a maximum of £70 for completing all 8 sessions or £8.75 per session completed.

Location

Room 1.05, Spinnaker Building, Cambridge Road, PO12ER.

Closing date for applications

9 October 2023.

Ethics code: SHFEC2022-062