“Same procedure as last year? Same procedure as every year.” Hardly any quote could be more fitting for the Emden Workshop on occupational medicine in the offshore wind industry. On 11 and 12 September 2026, experts from the fields of occupational medicine, offshore wind energy, emergency services, regulatory bodies and industry practice gathered in Emden for the 16th time.
Professional exchange and new perspectives
Following a welcome address by Tim Kruithoff, Lord Mayor of Emden, the first day of the event offered a broad overview of the various demands of the offshore workplace.
Building on technical insights into offshore wind energy, discussions covered, amongst other things, experiences from polar and marine research, current developments in offshore rescue, and practical experiences from offshore training. This brought together a range of perspectives that all have one thing in common: they demonstrate that working at sea places special demands on preparation, health and safety, rescue and organisation.
A particular highlight was the subsequent excursion to the Port of Emden. At epas, participants gained first-hand insights into the port infrastructure, work processes and the specific conditions in the maritime and offshore environment. The shift from the conference room to the practical setting not only provided vivid impressions but also offered ample opportunity for further discussions and professional exchange.
Fitness-for-work assessments take centre stage on the second day
The second day was entirely devoted to fitness-for-work assessments for roles on offshore wind farms. Scientific findings, the current guidelines, international experience and specific practical examples were brought together and examined from various perspectives.
Particularly valuable was the combination of scientific and occupational health perspectives with direct insights into the reality of working offshore. This made it clear that fitness assessments must always be considered within the context of specific working conditions and requirements.
There were also very personal insights into the day-to-day work of offshore workers, with the opportunity to handle and try on the equipment themselves.
Here, too, the particular strength of the Emden workshop became apparent: different disciplines and areas of expertise come together, engage in discussion on an equal footing, and take away new ideas to apply in their own practice.
Same Procedure – and yet always fresh
We have just completed two intensive days packed with numerous professional insights, personal encounters and practical perspectives. The 16th Emden Workshop has once again demonstrated the value of ongoing dialogue for the further development of occupational medicine in the offshore wind energy sector.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the speakers for their contributions and the open dialogue. We would also like to thank Lord Mayor Tim Kruithoff and the City of Emden for their hospitality, the team at the Hotel am Delft for their excellent service, and Timo Siebahn, Reinhard Hegewald and the entire epas team for the impressive tour of Emden harbour.
And so, all that remains is the question from *Dinner for One*:
‘Same procedure as last year?’
The same procedure as every year. And that’s just as well. Because in Emden, that means exactly this: familiar faces, good conversations, a tried-and-tested format, a familiar setting, and every year new professional inspiration, new insights and findings, and new discussions.
We are already looking forward to the 17th Emden Workshop on Occupational Medicine in Offshore Wind Energy on 3 and 4 September 2027.
