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Design and Architecture Norway
Maritime and offshore

Østensjø Rederi: New galley offers a better working environment to offshore cooks

Accident statistics for offshore employees have improved annually - except in the galley, where the accident statistics and absenteeism rate have remained unchanged. This prompted the Østensjø Rederi to come up with the idea to develop a new galley.

  • By: Rikke Grønvold
Nytt design av bysse.

Photo: Ukjent

Østensjø Rederi had no prior experience using design expertise to solve problems associated with the working situation, so management was positively surprised about the results. The designers quickly identified a relationship between accidents and the physical environment. Changes to working conditions and routines increased the employees’ level of job satisfaction.

Challenge

The galley is the only part of the ship where the accident statistics have not improved. Most accidents in the galley involve sharp corners, tools or carrying hot, heavy containers from one location to another. There was little to no natural light in the galley and long walking distances across slippery floors.

Nye abreidsbenkene til Østensjø Rederi
Most accidents and injuries in the galley involve sharp corners, tools or carrying heavy containers from one working surface to the next. The new system combines all tasks on a single surface and the prepared food goes directly into a trolley system to avoid heavy lifting.
Photo: Ukjent
Nytt messedesign hos Østensjø Rederi
The zone layout makes it possible to find the right place to sit with the right kind of meal at the right time of day and with the right ambiance. A breakfast corner offers nice views, good coffee, newspapers and baguettes. There is comfortable lighting and the possibility to sit high at the bar like in a café. The afternoon lounge midship has dimmed lighting and relaxing music, providing the opportunity to enjoy a meal while conversing with colleagues. The chairs and sofas are upholstered and the seating slightly lower than at a regular lunch table. A brief lunch can be enjoyed at the high lunch tables, with sufficient lighting and various newspapers and magazines to browse through.
Photo: Ukjent

During the analysis phase, the designers identified several cause and effect relationships in the accident statistics for galleys.

Østensjø rederi

Result

The project resulted in a safer galley with fewer accidents and less absenteeism. The new galley combines all tasks on a single surface, so that coworkers can avoid heavy lifting. A non-skid area with cushioning has been created around every workstation. Working light has also been integrated. Galleys have always tended to be separate from the mess hall, but are now integrated to enable cooks and guests to communicate. The meals prepared are healthier and waste has been reduced.

 

The ultimate result is greater job satisfaction, fewer accidents and a lower absenteeism rate. The new galley will be put into use on two new Østensjø ships.

Åpenhet er viktig for Østensjø Rederi
The new concept allows more communication and gives guests views of the galley. The closed wall between the mess hall and galley has been replaced by a large, open horseshoe layout, where the cooks prepare food, serve breakfast and communicate with guests in the galley.
Photo: Ukjent

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