Fall Protection Training in the Wind Energy Industry

©iStockphoto.com/Terrance Emerson

Various OSHA regulations and ANSI standards apply to general industry and specifically address fall protection. Yet, few regulations are specific to wind energy or generation.

One answer is industry-specific training. In a new article from Windpower and Engineering & Development, John Eckel, senior technical training specialist at Miller Fall Protection says, “Wind construction has many safety hazards and that’s why industry-specific training is so important.”

OSHA says falls are the leading cause of occupational fatalities. Workers at heights of 6 ft or greater must have safeguards in place to protect them from the risk of falling. Technicians should also know what’s available in fall protection equipment, including how to inspect it and use it properly.

Eckel explains that the most effective way to ensure safety is proper training, and combining theory and application is the most ideal. That way “properly trained workers will understand the basics of the job” and they will also learn to seek the requirements at each job site. Rescue is imperative and should be a guaranteed component of training.

The article also reports that ANSI requires workers to return every 2 years for refresher training. The organization has also established regulations for competent person trainer under ANSI Z359.2. It is also recommended that students find a training facility that prioritizes safety.