Global Standards Kept 74,000+ Wind Workers Safe in 2018

Apr 29, 2019

A group of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers and owners have re-affirmed their commitment to use globally recognized minimum safety training standards for workers across the world.

Global Wind Organisation (GWO), a non-profit body owned by 16 leading wind energy companies, has reported rapid rises in the numbers of people trained to its standards. GWO standards align basic safety and technical training to a set of unified specifications that are recognized around the world, creating a safer and more productive workforce.

With 74,432 (+65%) people holding a valid certificate by the end of 2018, an estimated 5-10% of the global workforce in wind energy is now trained to GWO standards.*

“Having 5-10% of the workforce trained to GWO standard is an achievement,” says Eloy Jauregui, Director of Safety at Acciona Energia and Chairman of Global Wind Organisation. “But our challenge is just beginning.

“People working on wind turbines around the world are generally not trained to GWO standards and we believe that wherever possible, they should be. We will increase our efforts to engage globally and collaboratively; promote the adoption of mutually recognized safety standards and provide adequate governance around the delivery of training, so we can strive towards our mission of creating an injury free working environment in wind energy.”

Highlights include the following data:

* Global employment in Wind Energy = 1.14m (2018). Source: International Renewable Energy Association