Scientific mission marks a first for collaborative research

Following highly regarded research into safety at sea, including a widely reference project emphasising the need for equality in personal protective equipment (PPE), Helen is now joining researchers from Sweden, Denmark and Norway to collaborate on a new joint publication. Hosted by the Swedish National Road and Transport Institute (VTI) - an independent research centre in the transport sector - the mission will conduct analysis of datasets on accidents and occupational health risks within Danish Merchant fleets.

Dr Devereux says: "Working at sea remains a dangerous occupation and there is still much to be done to ensure the safety of seafarers. Attending this short-term scientific mission is a fantastic opportunity to not only undertake work on this important topic, but to also build relationships with colleagues from around Europe.

"I am very much looking forward to learning from my international colleagues, exploring what we do differently with regards to injury data and thinking about how we might improve the working conditions of those who work at sea."

Following the mission, a joint publication will be published, identifying gaps in knowledge relating to injury data in the shipping industry, and highlighting trends and risks. The hope is that this project will lay the groundwork for future collaborative work of this kind, and Dr Gesa Praetorius, Senior Researcher - Unit for Driver and Vehicle at the Swedish National Road and Transport Institute, says:

"The chance to welcome three researchers from the UK, Norway and Denmark is a great opportunity to work collaboratively and learn from each other with a focus on occupational health and safety issues in the maritime domain. We are all senior researchers and have worked on complementary topics throughout the years. Being able to finally work on a joint piece of work therefore marks a point of departure for future research on how to improve safety work and working conditions for those serving in the merchant fleet."

This mission has been funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology's (COST Action) Rethinking the Blue Economy: Socio-ecological Impacts and Opportunities (CA22122). The Action's purpose is to rethink the Blue Economy, exploring its impact and opportunities. Dr Devereux is one of two UK members sitting on the Action's management committee, having worked extensively on health and safety among seafarers for the past decade.

Find out more about Dr Devereux's research here.