Improve Offshore Wind Farm Worker Safety and Productivity through Nutrition
Those in the energy industry are acutely aware of the intense physical and mental demands involved in constructing and operating an offshore wind farm. Managing logistics, overseeing complex processes and ensuring safety in a challenging environment — all under the constraints of a tight schedule — is rigorous, dangerous work.
Workers at offshore wind farms face harsh conditions and environments, long working days and greater risks of accident and injury. It takes agility, stamina and focus to do this type of work, much like what is required of professional athletes. And a crucial, pivotal aspect of any athlete’s training program is proper nutrition.
There is an immense need for health and wellness focused initiatives at offshore wind farms, but these initiatives have not always been a top priority on board. Without proper nutrition, workers aren’t fueled with the energy they need to perform tasks. Poor nutrition can contribute to workers feeling physically and mentally exhausted, leading to sluggishness and increased risks of injury.
To ensure offshore wind farm workers have the resources and nutrition they need to feel and perform their best, Sodexo teams tap into the health and wellbeing insights of our NCAA and Minor League athletic programs and the knowledge of our expert team of registered dietitian nutritionists. Our aim is to apply the same careful nutrition and recovery strategies used for athletes to help boost worker morale, productivity and performance at offshore wind farms.
Physical and mental wellbeing can mean a world of difference when you’re operating in harsh, laborious and dangerous conditions. Offshore workers deserve effective nutrition, recovery spaces and points of engagement that power their physical performance, drive their mental clarity and nurture their overall emotional wellbeing.
Reducing Risk of Injury through Good Health and Nutrition
More and more, science suggests that there is real truth behind the oft-touted “mind-body connection” — a phrase referring to the symbiotic relationship between our mental and physical health. Our state of mind does, indeed, influence and impact our physical wellbeing and vice versa.
For example, there is a surprising relationship between gut and brain health. The gut and the brain are in constant communication; when the brain experiences undue amounts of stress, it triggers substantial bacterial imbalances in the gut.
Gut health also plays an essential role in the immune system. About 70% of a human’s immune system is located in the gut, specifically in the form certain beneficial bacteria. If that bacterial population becomes imbalanced, it can impact your entire body’s ability to perform essential functions and even harm your mental health and clarity. All of these can lead to diminished ability to focus and safely execute tasks.
Good nutrition is key to maintaining good gut health and overall well-being. A diet full of probiotics — foods like yogurt and pickled vegetables — and prebiotics — whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables — helps maintain a happy balance of good bacteria in the gut and fuels workers with the necessary nutrients to successfully perform focused, demanding tasks.
A Holistic Approach to Worker Well-Being
Given the physical and mental stress that offshore wind farm workers face on a day-to-day basis, good nutrition and healthy habits are the first step to promoting mental clarity, physical health and all-around wellbeing.
To improve focus and maintain a safe environment, workers need:
- Appropriate amounts of sleep and recovery time
- Fresh foods that address nutrient deficiencies and promote gut and brain health
- Workout routines with proper fueling and recovery tactics
- Sites dedicated to recovery and worker engagement
Improving the Employee Experience at Offshore Wind Farms
Sodexo recognizes the immense value and contributions of those working at offshore wind farms, and we constantly explore new avenues for nurturing a culture of health and wellness that places worker safety above all. We’re the largest private employer of registered dietitians in the world, and we leverage that expertise to help our offshore wind farm partners meet the needs of their workforce.
The offshore wind energy industry is changing, and attracting and retaining workers is essential. Ensuring they have the resources and support they need to be healthy and safe while on board is crucial in keeping employees engaged and performing at the highest levels.