The job market for wind turbine technicians is growing rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment for wind farm techs will grow 45% between 2022 and 2032.
Wind farm workers and turbine technicians perform vital maintenance and repairs on wind turbines, ensuring that they can continue to deliver reliable, clean energy to communities around the world. As more people enter this profession, it’s essential that they be equipped with the necessary safety training, equipment and policies to keep them from harm.
Understanding the risks and hazards in wind farm operations
Wind technicians have physically demanding jobs. Most wind farms are in remote locations, either on land or on the water, miles from shore. Most of the work takes place outdoors, which can involve extreme cold or heat, depending on the weather. The job might also require working in confined spaces to perform technical repairs or inspections. And of course, working on a wind farm involves climbing to great heights.
Wind technicians must frequently work under intense conditions. The BLS states that wind farm technicians have one of the highest rates of work-related injuries of any occupation. Even when proper safety measures are in place, there are risks and hazards of the job that workers should be constantly aware of.
Falls and falling objects
When working at extreme heights on a regular basis, falls and falling objects are among the most significant risks faced by wind turbine technicians. High winds and weather conditions can increase the risk of falls, dropped objects or unstable machinery. Weather conditions can be especially unpredictable around offshore wind turbines.
Electrical hazards
Wind turbines generate electricity, and technicians may come into contact with high-voltage electrical systems. Improper handling or equipment failure can lead to electrical shocks or burns.
Equipment hazards
Wind technicians work with specialized tools and equipment when performing turbine construction and maintenance. Improper use or malfunctioning tools can result in injuries.
Safety tips for wind farm technicians
For wind farm construction and maintenance technicians, safety is paramount. Proper training and correct use of gear can protect wind techs from hazards and help to prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
Know NFPA 70E
NFPA 70E refers to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard titled “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.” This standard provides guidelines for establishing a safe working environment to protect workers from electrical hazards. NFPA 70E includes guidance on employee qualifications, protective equipment standards, documentation and other procedures designed to ensure safety.
Lockout/tagout
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used in various industries to ensure that machinery or electrical equipment is properly shut off, de-energized and isolated from its energy source during maintenance, repair or servicing activities. The primary goal of LOTO is to prevent the unexpected startup of machinery or equipment and the release of hazardous energy which could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Use protective equipment
It is critical that employers provide their technicians with personal protective equipment, as the role of PPE can’t be overstated. It’s equally important that techs use that equipment properly every time. This includes using the right harness, lanyard, helmet, gloves, face shield and fall prevention or fall arrest system.
Safe climbing
Safe climbing is about more than just using the right gear. Wind technicians should also take care to climb slowly and deliberately. It’s recommended that technicians climbing significant heights keep three points of contact (hands and feet) on the structure at all times.
Challenges and solutions in wind farm work environment
For wind farm technicians, there is very little room for error. Tasks must be performed with a high degree of precision time after time.
Training – All members of a wind farm team should receive ongoing training on safety rules and procedures. This includes how to use gear and equipment correctly and what can happen if these guidelines aren’t followed strictly. Ensure your team understands the hazards and risks of the job to help make sure no one cuts corners or gets lazy when it comes to accident prevention.
Emergency response plan – Wind farms are often erected in remote locations or miles offshore. As such, it is important to have an emergency response plan because help may not be available close by.
Provide appropriate PPE – In a high-stakes work environment, it is absolutely essential that companies provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and fall protection gear.
Communication – Clear and effective communication is an essential part of wind farm safety. Establishing clear communication protocols is crucial, especially when working at heights or in noisy environments where noise reduction headsets can be vital. Effective communication with external agencies and partners is an important part of your emergency response plan, and using such specialized equipment can enhance this aspect of safety and coordination.
Prioritizing safety for wind farm technicians
Wind farm technicians perform essential tasks to keep the supply of energy flowing to communities across the world. Their safety should be an employer’s No. 1 priority.
To keep workers safe and turbines in motion, it’s important to conduct thorough, regular risk assessments at wind farm worksites. Evaluate potential hazards and keep careful maintenance records. Be sure to maintain equipment to reduce the risk of unexpected failure. Develop and implement an emergency response plan in case things go wrong. And empower your technicians to speak up when they observe safety concerns or violations at a jobsite.
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with over 100 clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Warrick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
