Amerisafe Group offers experienced renewable energy Safety Consultants that provide implementation and training specific to wind and solar energy site safety.
To WIND TURBINE CONTRACTORS, we offer:
To WIND ENERGY MANUFACTURERS, we offer:
We have been working with WIND Turbine/Equipment Manufacturers for many years, supporting both the manufacturing process and field activities. We assist with Facility Safety Management through training, program development, and auditing. Additionally, we can provide interim Safety Management staff for new wind plants or to fill both short and long term positions during transitional periods.
Our expertise in construction allows us to offer guidance and support to field operations to ensure that employees working at active wind farm construction sites are prepared for the challenges they will face. This includes NEW PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONING, AND REMEDIATION activities.
Amerisafe Group’s goal in the SOLAR INDUSTRY is to create a safe environment for all workers. Many hazards and risks arise while solar panels are being installed. Utilizing preventative measures, such as training, can further educate all employees in the SOLAR INDUSTRY of the dangers they may face every day. The SOLAR INDUSTRY is growing and not all worksites are the same, but all SOLAR FARMS generally face the same hazards:
Lifting and Handling Solar Panels
Mobile equipment is a major factor in the installation and maintenance of solar panels. Serious injuries may occur if the proper precautions are not taken. Many fatalities happen whenever this equipment comes into contact with overhead power lines. Other fatalities happen when an employee is struck by an object, or caught in between the load and an object. Making sure proper rigging/approved lifting devices are used and inspected is essential for a successful lift as well. We try to limit the amount of personal lifting to minimize the potential for soft tissue injuries.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Employees who install or maintain solar panels occasionally work on elevated surfaces. This includes working on ladders on uneven ground. Working on these elevated surfaces creates fall hazards for the employees. If a fall distance is greater than six feet, then employees must be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system, a personal fall arrest system, or other alternative means to protect your employees
Solar Electrical Safety
SOLAR INDUSTRY employees are exposed to very dangerous electrical hazards. While in the work field workers are vulnerable to electrocution and arc flash risks. While installing or maintaining solar panels, workers are exposed to electrical shocks and burns as well. Training on electrical dangers of solar panels is essential for all employees. Workers must pay very close attention to overhead power lines. Overhead power lines are very high in voltage, and using distance depending on the voltage is the most important precaution. The most fatal hazard workers face is electrocution. Other hazards include burns, falls, and tools coming into contact with electrical lines.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/Tagout is used to protect employees from the unexpected energization or startup of a machine, or to protect against the release of hazardous energy. Workers who install or maintain machines are at the greatest risk if LOTO is not in compliance. Solar panels generate electrical energy and are connected to circuits. While servicing solar panels, workers should cover the panels just to be sure there is no contact with electrical circuits. Employees servicing solar panels face the risk of the unexpected release of stored energy in the equipment. Solar energy employers must comply with OSHA regulations and train employees on LOTO procedures.
Heat Stress
Employees who work in the solar industry occasionally work in hot weather. Working in this hot weather creates hazards of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death. Workers should be monitored for heat-related illnesses. Employers should train all employees on how to identify the signs of heat-related illnesses. If any workers show any signs of heat stroke, they should seek medical attention immediately. Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from work immediately and they should receive fluids and rest.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are present during all aspects of panel installation. During instillation, a lot of manual handling of materials. While many may think the whole process is automated, that is quite the opposite. Employees have to lay out all materials by hand to get in the proper location, and prevent damages to materials already out in the field. All employees need to be trained on proper lifting and handling of materials. Also, employees should be rotated to keep employees from doing the same repetitive motion thousands of times per week.
To Solar FARM OWNERS and CONTRACTORS we offer:
For Owners: Amerisafe Group offers a unique perspective to owners by utilizing our experience and involvement in the SOLAR industry to provide professional safety support for your projects. We understand the challenges faced by owners in the SOLAR industry and help you to overcome those challenges, not create additional roadblocks. We focus heavily on job planning and continuous monitoring to ensure that your sites are operating to the expectations set by management, owners and other regulatory agencies, including OSHA.
We work with your solar site managers, not against them. Our philosophy is to “be out there and be seen,” creating a strong presence of safety and to offer support and monitor critical work activities.
To SOLAR FARM CONTRACTORS we offer:
To SOLAR ENERGY MANUFACTURERS we offer:
For Manufacturers: We have been working with Solar Equipment Manufacturers for many years, supporting both the manufacturing process and field activities. We assist with Facility Safety Management through training, program development, and auditing. Additionally, we can provide interim Safety Management staff for new solar plants or to fill both short and long term positions during transitional periods.
Our expertise in construction allows us to offer guidance and support to field operations to ensure that employees who will be working at active windfarm construction sites are prepared for the challenges they will face while on-site. This includes NEW PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSIONING, AND REMEDIATION activities.
