The 2-year alliance agreement aims to prevent occupational exposure to electrical, crane and fall hazards in the wind energy industry. OSHA and AWEA intend to develop materials for workers that address wind energy maintenance and operations hazards; hold forums to discuss hazards; and raise awareness of OSHA’s rulemaking and enforcement initiatives.
AWEA is a national trade association representing 2,500 member companies such as wind turbine manufacturers and component suppliers, utilities and renewable energy supporters and researchers. Approximately 85,000 workers are employed by AWEA members.
“As part of the emerging green jobs industry, wind energy jobs promise to be kinder to our environment and transform our economy. But these jobs are not necessarily safer for American workers,” said OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels. “I am confident that our Alliance with AWEA will further OSHA’s mission to ensure that wind energy workers are protected from preventable injuries and death.”