Health and safety data on the UK onshore wind sector has been compiled for the first time showing that out of 6,971,142 hours worked last year there were 532 incidents reported.
SafetyOn, the health and safety body for the onshore wind industry which compiled the data, said that of the reported incidents, which include “near misses”, 455 (86%) took place on an operational onshore wind farm.
A further 62 (12%) were on a project under construction, 13 (2%) on a site under development and two (0.4%) while working from home.
There were no fatalities, SafetyOn said.
Chair of SafetyOn chair and ScottishPower Renewables chief executive Lindsay McQuade (pictured) said: “With onshore wind capacity ready to play its part in combating the climate emergency and delivering green energy to support the race to net zero, the health and safety of those employed in the industry is the focus of SafetyOn.
“The publication of this first ever industry incident data report helps not only to enhance transparency across the industry, but will serve to underpin SafetyOn’s risk-based work programme.
“With thousands working in the UK’s onshore wind industry, SafetyOn is playing its part in making sure they go home safe.”
Supported by the Energy Institute, SafetyOn brings together 58 member organisations and other industry stakeholders to mitigate key emerging risks through cooperation and shared learning.
Membership comprises developers, operators, manufacturers and the wider supply chain, including engineering and transportation.
Energy Institute chief executive Nick Wayth said: “Although Covid-19 brought unprecedented challenges for the onshore wind industry, the publication of this first Incident Data Report underlines SafetyOn’s focus on maintaining industry safety.
“Of course the ultimate goal has to be zero incidents in onshore wind, which is precisely the point of the SafetyOn collaboration, and I’m pleased the EI is able to play a central part in this.”