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Our life-saving rules


We’ve implemented ‘life-saving rules’ across Ørsted.


At Ørsted, we want everyone to be safe every day. That’s why we’ve set life-saving rules across our global business. The 10 rules are created in collaboration with the G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation and will help both employees and contractors work more safely.

The life-saving rules are based on industry safety performance data, representing the activities, hazards, and missing barriers that most contribute to fatal incidents.

While Ørsted is a multi-industry business and not just an offshore business, the rules are suitable for our other businesses as well.

Patrick Harnett, Chief Operating Officer, said: “A large number of fatal accidents can be traced back to not following simple rules. Clearly identifying these rules and expecting everyone who comes to work for us knows and follows them, will make Ørsted a safer place.”

Always follow Ørsted’s life-saving rules.

Our life-saving rules

Always ensure the required plans and permits are in place before you start a job

  • Always have risk assessments, method statements, drawings etc. at hand (safe system of work)
  • Always make sure that the scope of your work is clearly defined and authorised
  • Make sure that all team members understand the work permit details
  • Regularly review and renew your work permits

Always use tools and equipment that are fit for the intended purpose

  • Ensure that your tools are well maintained and certified (if required)  
  • Only use tools prescribed in a method statement, task description, or similar 
  • Ensure that you bring the right tools with you

Never undertake any job unless you have been trained and assessed as competent

  • Confirm that you’re trained and competent to carry out your tasks
  • Keep your skills and certifications up to date
  • Assist your colleagues in their learning

Never work, or operate vehicles or machinery, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

  • Never use substances that impair your function while at work
  • Inform your supervisor about any medication effects
  • Reach out if you or a colleague need support in relation to substance abuse

Always verify isolation and zero energy before work begins

  • Implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and confirm energy isolation
  • Make sure you test for zero energy before starting work
  • Communicate isolation status to your team

Always use fall protection when working at height

  • Always use your fall protection as designed
  • Your fall protection must be verified as certified, inspected, and suitable for your task
  • Anchor points, both pre-approved and bespoke, must be checked in "work authorisation"

Always secure tools, loose materials, and equipment to prevent them from falling

  • Secure your tools and materials with lanyards, nets, or similar when working at height
  • Always keep your work area clean and tidy

Never place yourself under a suspended load during lifting

  • Be aware of potential simultaneous operations at the site 
  • You must always stay clear of load paths and suspended loads
  • Never trespass fencing around lifting operations
  • If barriers are not found suitable before lifting takes place speak up

Always adhere to barriers and exclusion zones

  • Adhere to all barriers and signs marking exclusion zones
  • Enter exclusion zones only when you have an authorisation
  • Ensure barriers are effective, and report identified issues

Only transfer from a vessel when you are ready, and permission is provided

  • Equip properly for transfer, and secure your belongings
  • Transfer only with clear permission and clear communication
  • Follow safe transfer procedures, and stay alert

People

Safe and better ways of working

As an organisation, we have a responsibility to provide the physical, social, and psychological working conditions that enable our employees to live whole, healthy lives.

Read more