Although there have been relatively few major incidents – such
as a blade flying off in North Dakota last year –a lot more come
under the category of falls and electric shocks such as those
caused by arc flashes. According to Wally Tinsley, lead power
systems engineer at diversified power management company Eaton
Corp, OSHA investigated over 30 arc flash accidents in US wind
farms in one year. Understandably, the industry is giving far
more attention to safety. OSHA and the American Wind Energy
Association (AWEA) have formed an alliance to improve safety
standards. Its purpose is to develop consensus on standardising
safety practices, to ensure compliance and to establish training
programmes. AWEA has agreed to help OSHA inspect US wind
facilities region by region. Most wind turbine OEMs have joined
the AWEA Safety Committee. And with good reason – a rise in
accidents could lead to soaring insurance costs and expensive
worker's compensation claims. And a poor safety record would fan
the fire of the anti-wind