Fall hazards are a serious risk for workers in the wind energy industry. Wind turbines vary in height but can be more than 100 feet tall. Exposure to high winds may make work at high elevations even more hazardous. Fall protection is crucial for protecting workers.
Wind farm construction workers must be protected from the risk of falling when they work at heights of six feet or greater, according to OSHA’s construction industry Subpart M (§1926.500) fall protection standard. And general industry standards require workers to be protected from falls when they are at heights of four feet or more. Working above these elevations is common in the wind industry. Follow these guidelines from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) to ensure OSHA compliance and worker safety.