This paper revisits discussions about the best ways for regulators to protect employees from accidents at work. It focuses on a case study example from a globalised, outsourced and offshored sector - namely, the shipping industry. Using the illustrative example of a large and reputable ship operator, it discusses the understandings that onshore and sea-based staff have of company policies and practices with regard to safety. It considers these alongside responses to environmental regulation and associated penalties. The paper concludes that, in relation to environmental protection, penalties are set sufficiently high to effect a real change in practice in this industry. However, the same cannot be said with regard to fatal accidents at sea.