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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM67372
Volume:
10 |
9 |
Sep 2026
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
The rapid expansion of wind energy has increased the importance of occupational health and safety throughout wind farm operations. Although wind power is a low-carbon source of electricity, workers involved in turbine installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, electrical work, lifting activities, and emergency response can be exposed to significant hazards. These include falls from height, electrical shock and arc flash, fire, falling objects, mechanical hazards, confined spaces, adverse weather, lifting and transportation hazards, ergonomic stress, and psychosocial risks. Previous research has identified working at height and falling objects among important occupational risks, while electrical and mechanical maintenance activities can also present substantial risks. ScienceDirect+1 This paper examines how improved Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) can enhance safety performance in wind farm operations. The proposed approach combines systematic hazard identification, task-based risk assessment, risk prioritization, implementation of the hierarchy of controls, worker participation, permit-to-work and lockout/tagout systems, emergency preparedness, and continuous monitoring of safety performance. A practical HIRA framework is proposed for major wind farm activities, including turbine access, climbing, electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance, crane operations, blade inspection, confined-space entry, and emergency rescue. The study argues that HIRA should be treated as a dynamic process rather than a one-time compliance exercise. Continuous review of hazards, near misses, changes in operating conditions, and worker feedback can strengthen preventive safety management.
KEYWORDS
Wind farm operations involve a wide range of occupational hazards, particularly during maintenance, electrical work, working at height, lifting operations, mechanical intervention, confined-space activities and adverse weather conditions. Published research and occupational-safety guidance demonstrate the importance of systematic risk assessment and preventive controls in managing these hazards. ScienceDirect+1 Improved HIRA can enhance safety performance by providing a structured process for identifying hazards, evaluating risks, implementing controls and monitoring their effectiveness. The effectiveness of this approach depends on worker participation, competent supervision, appropriate training, effective isolation procedures, emergency preparedness and continuous review. The proposed framework therefore treats HIRA as a dynamic process integrated into daily wind farm operations. Combining conventional risk assessment with worker feedback, near-miss learning, human-factor considerations and leading safety indicators can provide a stronger basis for preventing incidents and improving occupational safety.
1. Aneziris, O., Papazoglou, I., Konstandinidou, C., & others. Occupational risk for an onshore wind farm. Safety Science, 88, 188–198, 2016. ScienceDirect 2. Freiberg, A., Schefter, C., Girbig, M., Murta, V. C., & Seidler, A. Occupational health hazards and risks in the wind industry. Energy Reports, 7, 3750–3759, 2021. ScienceDirect 3. Garcia, D. A., & Bruschi, D. A risk assessment tool for improving safety standards and emergency management in Italian onshore wind farms. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 18, 48–58, 2016. ScienceDirect 4. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Occupational safety and health in the wind energy sector. European Risk Observatory report. Publications Office of the EU 5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Green Job Hazards – Wind Energy. U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Wind Energy: Electrical Hazards. U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 7. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Wind Energy: Confined Spaces. U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 8. Freiberg, A., Schefter, C., Girbig, M., Murta, V. C., & Seidler, A. Health effects of wind turbines in working environments – a scoping review. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 44(4), 351–369, 2018. PubMed 9. Different Shades of Green: An Analysis of the Occupational Health and Safety Risks Faced by Wind Farm Workers. Sustainability, 16(7), 3012, 2024. MDPI
Publication Date
9/21/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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