Health & Safety on shipyard sites
Creating safer working environments in the marine sector
The importance of health & safety on marine jobsites
The marine sector is inherently complex and challenging, particularly on the construction, maintenance and refit sites. Workers face a wide range of hazards, from exposure to severe weather conditions and confined spaces to handling heavy materials and operating complex machinery. Ensuring health and safety on marine construction sites is not only a legal requirement, but a fundamental responsibility. Safe practices and effective health protection can reduce accidents, prevent occupational illnesses and promote a productive workforce.
Reducing exposure to hazardous substances, implementing ergonomic solutions and improving site conditions are essential components of a sustainable approach to marine construction. Addressing these factors is critical to protecting the well-being of workers and supporting the long-term operational efficiency of the industry.
Managing health risks from hazardous substances
Marine sites often require the handling of a variety of materials and substances, some of which can pose significant health risks if not managed properly. Confined spaces exacerbate these risks as air quality can deteriorate rapidly.
Exposure to hazardous substances not only poses immediate health risks but can also lead to long-term conditions. As health and safety regulations in the marine construction industry become increasingly stringent, the industry must adopt safer materials and processes that prioritise the well-being of workers and meet modern compliance standards.
Saint-Gobain Marine is dedicated to ensuring health and safety by offering materials that minimise exposure to harmful substances, protecting both installers and the environment.
For example, Isover's mineral wool products meet criteria for exemption from carcinogenicity in line with European Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.
Vetrotech reinforces this commitment with a REACH Declaration for all its products, ensuring that they do not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) as defined by the REACH Regulation.
By prioritising low-emission, compliant and health-conscious materials, Saint-Gobain Marine is contributing to healthier sites, reducing health risks and improving working conditions for marine construction teams.
Tackling musculoskeletal challenges
To reduce musculoskeletal risks on shipyard sites, the use of safer materials and ergonomic practices is essential. Lightweight, user-friendly materials and tools minimise physical strain and reduce the risk of injuries caused by heavy lifting, repetitive movements and awkward postures. These solutions create a safer working environment and enable workers to perform their tasks more efficiently and comfortably. By prioritising ergonomic innovation, industry not only improves compliance with safety standards, but also increases productivity by reducing downtime due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Saint-Gobain Marine is addressing these challenges with innovative and ergonomically designed products.
For example, Isover's SEA CLIMAVER® offers a lightweight alternative to traditional metal ducting and insulation systems, reducing product weight by up to 65%. Its ergonomic dimensions make it easy to handle, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries for installers.
Likewise, Weber's pumpable self-levelling compounds streamline the application process and significantly improve working conditions by reducing manual labour. Weber Marine A-60 Floor N Light can reduce installation time by up to 50%, enabling faster and safer project completion.
These improvements address common challenges on marine sites such as uncomfortable postures and heavy lifting, creating an overall safer and more comfortable working environment.
A safer future for marine jobsites
Health and Safety is paramount in the marine industry, where challenging jobsites can expose workers to a range of risks. Saint-Gobain Marine is determined to lead the industry in safer, healthier jobsites through our commitment to innovative materials, ergonomic designs and the highest safety standards. By reducing exposure to hazardous substances, minimising physical strain and supporting best practice, we enable shipyards to protect their workforce.
Discover how Saint-Gobain Marine is making a difference, creating solutions that are Better for People, Better for the Planet, and learn about our other sustainability pillars, including Resources & Circularity, Energy & Carbon and Health & Well-being Indoors. Together, we can navigate a cleaner, more efficient future at sea.