IOSH funds 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 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, Principal Investigator, said: “Our maritime workers are the invisible backbone of UK trade, handling 95 per cent 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.