According to the European Risk Observatory on occupational safety and health in the wind energy sector the wind industry reported 1,370 accidents in the period from 1970 to 2013; most of them occurred in the last five years.
“It’s not just numbers. There are human beings behind every accident, every incident, every near-miss!” said Lars Bondo Krogsgaard, chairman of the steering committee for wind turbines of VDMA Power Systems.
At this conference on safety culture a total of 80 representatives from six manufacturers of wind turbines and 40 subcontractors discussed essential steps for more safety in the wind industry. They agreed on a simple set of principles that will help to anchor a culture of safety in the global industry.
“Looking beyond the every-day business the manufacturers GE Wind Energy, Nordex, Senvion, Siemens Wind Power, Vestas, and Areva Wind have come together with their subcontractors to commit themselves to the Seven Safety Principles,” said Krogsgaard.
An informational film as well as a flyer about the seven principles with best practice guidelines for safe driving, for working at height and on personal protection equipment will play an important role in the companies to establish the common safety culture. In future the industry will not accept any avoidable accidents neither when working at height nor when driving and transporting components.
Seven Safety Principles:
- Health and safety of people is valued above all else
- All injuries can be prevented – we plan for safety
- Management at all levels is accountable for safety and leads by example
- Everyone looks out for each other no matter who they work for
- Safe behavior is recognizded, acknowledged and praised
- ZERO tolerance for safety breaches
- Everyone has the courage to STOP any unsafe work
VDMA conference
lt.vdma.org
Filed Under: News, Safety
