Did you know:

• In Norway, 98 percent of electricity production comes from renewable energy sources.
• The share of renewables in global electricity generation reached 28.7% in 2021, after modest growth of 0.4 percentage points.
• Solar PV represented one-third of generation growth, thanks to the acceleration of installations in China, the European Union, and the United States in 2020 and 2021.
• In August 2022, the federal government of the United States introduced the Inflation Reduction Act, a law significantly expanding support for renewable energy in the next 10 years through tax credits and other measures. 
• In July 2021, the European Commission proposed increasing the bloc’s renewable energy target for 2030 from 32% to 40%.
  

The above stats states that the renewable sector is boosting and will continue to grow exponentially. With depleting fossil fuels and the goal for a greener planet, investments in renewable energy are expanding.

So what does this mean for the employees and laborers of the renewable sector?

Well, they need to fasten their seatbelts and get ready to work in a fast-paced and digital environment. But this also means that organizations must update their HSE initiatives regularly to ensure they provide the safest working environment.

We will show you how HSE initiatives can be improved in the renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy Sector Safety Risks  

Before we know what to do, let us know why it has to be done.

Let’s look at the safety threats renewable energy poses. There is a myth that the renewable sector has fewer safety threats than any other sector. Being in the safety domain for over two decades, we know that risk is a risk, and a threat is a threat. Whatever hinders safety should not be measured but mitigated and avoided with the best possible efforts.

So let us look at some of the renewable energy sector safety risks.

Routine Maintenance

Windmills, solar plants, hydro plants, etc., require regular maintenance, and employees pose risks of falling from a height, overheating, electrocution, etc., during the maintenance activities. These risks generally occur during routine maintenance tasks. Conducting regular inspections and tests on critical components, such as inverters, controllers, or sensors, to detect abnormalities and prevent system failures also proves fatal to laborers if they do not have the necessary equipment, training, and PPE to perform those tasks.

Remote Locations

Renewable energy systems and plants are generally situated in remote locations. These remote locations may have limited access to primary healthcare, basic amenities, network issues, emergency services, etc., making it challenging for employees to live and work in these areas. Also, exposure to extreme weather conditions, wildlife, or hazardous materials poses safety concerns for employees.

Transportation Risks

These risks account for both workers and the equipment. As described above, the renewable sector has plants and systems in remote locations and maybe rough terrains. Supplying and delivering equipment and necessary materials in such places can be challenging. Traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and hazardous materials spills are the most significant safety threats that must be addressed appropriately.

Improving HSE Initiatives in the Renewable Sector

We have described the most common safety challenges for the renewable energy sector. But our solutions will cover and address the challenges not only the ones mentioned above but also more safety threats of the renewable energy sector. These great solutions will help the renewable industry to mitigate safety threats and boost employee morale.

Planning and Training

One of the important ways to address safety challenges in the renewable sector is to have a comprehensive safety plan in place. This should include hazard identification, risk assessment, and clear safety protocols and procedures. Workers should also be educated and trained on safety practices and protocols to ensure that they are aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them.

Use of Proper Equipment

Appropriate equipment and technology can mitigate safety risks in the renewable sector. This may include safety equipment such as personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, safety devices on machinery and equipment, and the use of advanced monitoring and control systems to detect and respond to safety hazards.

Emergency Response Planning

It is vital to have a comprehensive emergency response plan in case of accidents or incidents. This includes having appropriate emergency equipment and supplies on hand, as well as clearly defined emergency response protocols and procedures. The organization and the employees must be well-versed in emergency evacuation plans. Also, proper training drills must be executed regularly.

The Digital Method

All the above and more challenges can be addressed by one ultimate solution: The EHS Safety Software.

There is a digital safety module to help plan and train the safety processes for the renewable sector. The EHS safety software helps you with hazard identification, risk assessments, and updating employee training.

EHS software helps you with equipment maintenance. It ensures that PTW, LOTO, and other essential equipment maintenance and use tasks are safely carried out. It also oversees that the functions are performed under defined regulations and compliances.

EHS software has an emergency preparedness module that helps with the best planning for the emergency. It helps to plan mock drills and record the emergency detail, action items, etc. It allows you to plan, send mass notifications, and record emergency response situations to safeguard business preparedness and compliance.

The contractor management keeps a check on the contractors and their working ways. It helps to do background verification of the contractors and ensures that they adhere to the safety rules of the workplace to avoid incidents and accidents,

The health management module is the best way to keep a health check on employees and their families. It helps assign tasks to employees by recording their health. 

Compliance management software helps companies ensure that they are meeting all regulatory requirements and safety standards. This includes managing permits, audits, and other compliance-related activities.

Implementing EHS software can help renewable energy companies improve safety and sustainability, streamline processes, and reduce risks. That is why we call it the ultimate safety solution!

That’s All, Folks!

We all are doing a bit to keep our planet healthier, and implementing safety software is one of the efforts.

As the renewable sector strives to replace fossil fuels, it should regularly monitor its safety measures. Their safety efforts will be amplified if they choose the right software with the appropriate modules.

Thus, when selecting EHS software, the renewable sector should consider its specific needs, requirements, features, and capabilities. It is crucial to choose a user-friendly, adaptable, and scalable software solution that can grow with the company’s needs over time.