Renewables
There are a range of risks associated with renewables including:
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Falls from Heights – Working at heights, such as on wind turbine towers or solar panel installations on elevated structures, poses a significant risk of falls. Inadequate fall protection systems or failure to use personal protective equipment (PPE) like harnesses can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
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Electrical Hazards – Renewable energy systems, particularly solar and wind, involve high-voltage equipment. Workers face risks of electrocution or arc flash injuries during installation, maintenance, or repair of electrical components if proper lockout-tagout procedures are not followed.
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Confined Space Risks – Maintenance work inside wind turbine nacelles or hydroelectric plant components often involves confined spaces, where workers may be exposed to risks like oxygen deficiency, toxic gas accumulation, or entrapment
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Manual Handling Injuries – The installation and maintenance of heavy equipment, such as solar panels, turbine blades, or battery storage systems, can lead to musculoskeletal injuries from lifting, carrying, or repetitive tasks if ergonomic practices are not implemented.
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Exposure to Hazardous Substances Workers may be exposed to chemicals used in battery storage systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) or maintenance processes (e.g., lubricants, cleaning agents), which could cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or long-term health effects.
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Extreme Weather Conditions – Renewable energy facilities, often located in remote or exposed areas, expose workers to extreme heat, cold, or high winds. For example, solar farm workers in Australia’s hot climate risk heat stress or dehydration without proper controls.
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Machinery and Equipment Hazards – The use of cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery during construction and maintenance can result in crush injuries, amputations, or fatalities if equipment is not properly maintained or operated.
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Noise and Vibration Exposure – Operating or maintaining renewable energy equipment, such as wind turbines or hydroelectric generators, can expose workers to high noise levels or hand-arm vibration, potentially causing hearing loss or neurological damage over time.
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Psychosocial Hazards Remote – work, long shifts, and high-pressure project deadlines in the renewables sector can contribute to stress, fatigue, or mental health issues, particularly for workers in isolated locations or those balancing safety-critical tasks.
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Fire and Explosion Risks – Battery storage systems and hydrogen production facilities (emerging in renewable energy) carry risks of fire or explosion due to thermal runaway, gas leaks, or improper handling of flammable materials.
There are of course more…
Excellence is our business, dynamic is what we are!
The renewable industry, (including wind, solar and hydro) is in a state of constant growth and evolution, with new technologies in research, development, implementation and installation all over the world. HAZCON’s team of consultants are constantly learning and networking with industry to ensure they are maintaining their professional development in order to provide relevant and current HSE and OHS/WHS advice to renewable industry operators. Please reach out to us for a confidential discussion about your auditing requirements, or if we can help with HSE services in any way.
Training Compliance
Your training needs analysis should consider what courses are necessary for you to provide to your team under OHS legislation and may include
- RIIWHS204E Work safely at heights
- RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces
- TLID0021 Store and handle dangerous goods and hazardous substances
- Asbestos Awareness Training
- Silica Dust Awareness Training
- OHS training for managers and any person in a supervisory capacity
- Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Initial OHS Training
- HSR Refresher OHS Training
- Manual handling
- Permits to work
- Emergency warden
HAZCON can help you with this.
Training CoursesPoint of Difference
HAZCON has delivered a range of training courses to renewables clients. These courses may be tailored to specific requirements. We engage closely with all clients to provide tailored training products to meet your needs. Typically, we will have the conversation with you to ensure that any relevant policies and procedures are included as necessary such as working at heights, permits and traffic management. We can also check that these are current and compliant.
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