ABSTRACT
Research findings from other transport industries with regard to the role fatigue plays in the occurrence of accidents, cannot automatically be applied to the offshore industry. This is due to the unique combination of factors with which workers have to cope. Extreme weather conditions, noisy working environments, demanding work and rest patterns and motion, all contribute to the impact of fatigue in the individual (Parkes, 1997; 1998). Furthermore, major economic, structural and technological changes have taken place within the offshore industry in recent times, which have led to reduced installation and vessel manning, increased workload and job insecurity (e.g. Collinson, 1998; NUMAST, 1992). All the afore mentioned factors either alone, or in various combinations, are proposed to have an impact on the health and well-being of offshore workers.
