Pioneering research to tackle work-related ill-health in maritime sector

The maritime sector is one of the world's most hazardous, less well-regulated than others, with hard-to-track negative health impacts.

Researchers at Southampton Solent University are collaborating with industry partners on a project funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to address the growing challenge of work-related ill-health among maritime workers.

Using the insights generated, they will develop an innovative toolbox that can be used for recording and analysing adverse health outcomes affecting workers in UK ports and on UK-registered ships. This research aims to improve knowledge particularly around mental health issues in the maritime sector.

A range of partners will participate, including the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Port Skills and Safety, the UK’s professional ports health and safety membership organisation.

The comprehensive toolbox created at the end of the project this autumn will feature data collection forms, best practice guidance, instructional animations, and analytical resources specifically designed for maritime health and safety professionals.

The kit will enable consistent recording of suspected work-related health incidents, supporting better analysis and prevention strategies.

Dr Helen Devereux, Senior Lecturer at Solent University's Warsash Maritime School and Principal Investigator for the project, says: “Our maritime workers are the invisible backbone of UK trade, handling 95% of imports and exports. Yet when it comes to understanding their occupational health challenges, particularly mental health, we're navigating with incomplete charts.

“This toolbox will provide the structured data collection and analysis framework needed to identify harmful patterns and prevent future illness.”

Genis Fernandes, IOSH Research Programme Lead, said: “This project exemplifies IOSH’s commitment to evidence-based approaches in occupational safety and health.

“By equipping practitioners with practical tools to investigate workplace health impacts, we’re addressing a critical gap between safety and health practices. The potential for this methodology to expand beyond maritime to other sectors makes it particularly valuable for advancing workplace health globally.”

The research responds to industry attempts to better record and analyse workforce health data, such as the ‘Dashboard’ initiative by the Port Skills and Safety Organisation, while addressing persistent inconsistencies in comprehensive health data collection.

To follow the project, visit the website for A toolbox for recording and analysing work related adverse health outcomes for workers in UK ports and onboard UK registered ships.

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About IOSH:

IOSH is the global chartered membership body for occupational safety and health professionals with a vision of a safe and healthy world of work. As a registered charity, IOSH promotes systematic methods of improving occupational safety and health while developing, supporting and promoting research that improves workplace safety and health through evidence-based studies.

IOSH has invested approximately £6.5 million in 60 research projects since establishing its research fund in 2003, continuing its charitable objective to promote systematic methods of improving occupational safety and health worldwide.