As Texas continues to lead the nation in wind energy, thousands of skilled workers are building and maintaining the turbines that power our communities. The Lone Star State is home to more than 15,000 wind turbines, supporting over 26,000 wind energy jobs, providing clean, renewable power to millions of residents. However, building and servicing these tall, complex machines come with serious risks.
The wind power industry involves working at great heights, handling high-voltage electricity, and using heavy machinery. These activities can cause falls, electric shock, fires, and crushing injuries if proper safety steps are not followed. These tips can help prevent accidents and keep workers safe:
1 Conduct a thorough risk assessment.
Before building or maintaining a turbine, identify all possible hazards—like fall risks, electrical dangers, and equipment use. Decide how likely each hazard is and how serious the outcome could be. Update your assessment regularly to reflect any changes in job tasks or site conditions.
2 Train workers on job-specific hazards.
Ensure every worker understands the dangers of turbine work and how to stay safe. Training should include fall protection, electrical hazards, PPE use, and safe machinery operation. Repeat training annually and whenever new equipment or tasks are introduced.
3 Prevent falls with proper equipment and plans.
Falls from heights are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in this industry. Provide OSHA-compliant harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage systems. Inspect fall protection gear before each use, and train workers to use it correctly. Develop and follow a site-specific fall protection plan.
4 Keep equipment in safe working order.
Inspect, test and maintain heavy machinery and tools regularly to prevent breakdowns and accidents. Set clear rules on usage guidelines, and train workers on each tool or machine. Never bypass safety features or rush maintenance.
5 Follow electrical safety procedures.
Electricity is one of the most dangerous parts of wind turbine work. To prevent shocks, burns, or arc flashes:
- Ground all electrical equipment.
- De-energize the circuit using lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before performing repairs.
- Test the circuits again before working on them. Failing to do can cause fatal arc flash incidents.
6 Set up clear communication systems.
Effective communication is critical, especially near moving equipment. Use radios or hand signals, and ensure everyone understands the system. Establish alarms and emergency signals.
7 Plan for emergencies.
Always have a plan in case of fire, injury, or equipment failure. This should include evacuation procedures, shutdown steps, and emergency contacts. Conduct regular drills so workers know what to do. Wind farms are often in remote locations, so ensure trained first-aid providers are available and workers are trained in CPR and AED use.
8 Provide and require proper PPE.
Workers must wear PPE like safety helmets, rubber gloves, eye protection, flame-resistant clothing, and fall gear. Make sure PPE fits well, is in good condition, and is used correctly. Train workers on how to inspect, wear, and care for their gear.
9 Regularly retrain on fall safety.
Even experienced workers can skip safety steps, leading to fatal falls. For example, a worker who fell 80 feet was wearing a belt but hadn’t attached the lanyard. Provide regular fall safety training on how to tie off and move safely. Retraining is critical.
10 Review safety procedures often.
Safety policies should evolve with new tools, tasks, and incident reports. Review and update your procedures often. Hold toolbox talks and safety meetings to keep safety top of mind.
Compliance reminder:
OSHA requires many of these practices to protect workers in wind turbine construction and maintenance. Key OSHA standards include:
- Fall protection (29 CFR 1926.501).
- Electrical safety (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S).
- Lockout/tagout (29 CFR 1910.147).
- PPE (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I).
The Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSRs) are also widely recognized as industry best practices.
For more information on workplace safety training or to receive free, confidential help ensuring your company is OSHA-compliant, call 800-252-7031, option 2, or email OSHCON@tdi.texas.gov.