New Health and Safety Standards in the Wind Industry

Shore wind energy is considered the most promising source of renewable energy to achieve the ambitious political target of 20% by 2020. In response, the offshore wind power industry is growing rapidly with a considerable number of large-scale projects on the horizon.

To realise these ambitious mega-projects, large numbers of highly skilled personnel is required. All wind developers are required to consider the risks that may arise in their projects during construction, operation, and final demolition. Risks can be accidents which happen when working on a wind farm.

Only recently, a wind farm worker was killed inside a wind turbine in Iowa.

The problem is: As the off/onshore wind energy industry is moving at such a pace, developers have had little time to consider the practical problems involved with these projects, but this is sure to be a crucial task if the industry is to establish a reputation of being a safe workplace.

There are a number of issues relating to health and safety that need to be addressed as wind farms move further from the shore and also into deeper water. If the industry wants to attract the best personnel and earn a reputation as a safe place to work, vital to its long term success, health and safety issues will require detailed consideration.

An industry-specific specialised health & safety standard, best practices in terms of training and equipment, good information sharing practices as well as sound HSE strategies and emergency response plans are crucial for all phases from design, construction to maintenance and repair.

Learn more about health & safety standards at the Conference on HSE in Wind Power Development in December 2011.