The objectively measured physical work demands and physical capacity of offshore wind technicians: An observational field study

We aimed to assess the physical capacity and physical work demands of wind service technicians (WT) in different field conditions (onshore and offshore workdays). We recruited 27 male WTs (mean age of 31 years (SD: ±7), VO₂max of 46 mL O2/kg/min (SD: ±7)) and assessed their physical work demands for a total of 110 workdays using heart rate monitors and accelerometers at five body placements. On average, each day, sitting was the most recorded activity (43%), followed by standing (19%), lying (13%) moving (9%), walking (8%) and high intensity physical activities (1%). Additionally, 1 minute was spent on vertical climbing, 20 minutes on work with forward bent trunk, 13 minutes on work with elevated arms and 6 minutes kneeling. The average cardiovascular load was 22% and 4 minutes per day were spent at high cardiovascular intensities. We found significantly higher demands on offshore compared with onshore workdays.