Since the formation of the SafetyOn, and under the direction of the Board of Directors, member companies through the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) have met on a monthly basis to discuss experiences from accidents and incidents and to share lessons learned. Facilitated by the TAC Leader, the aim of these discussions has been to better understand the risks in the onshore wind industry, their root causes and possible mitigation actions to prevent further accidents and incidents.
Through the sharing and analysis of incident data provided by SafetyOn member companies, an evidence based understanding of the risks encountered during the development, construction and operational phases of a wind farm project is produced. This information will be used to identify key risks in the onshore wind industry and inform the SafetyOn work programme.
Active workstreams
Life Extension of Wind Turbines
The aim of this workstream is to share knowledge on non-competitive common issues affecting personnel and public safety from wind turbines and associated equipment, including knowledge known about turbine model specific failure modes and areas of concern.
Organisational factors
This workstream was formed from the Human Factors workstream. Moving forward organisational factors will be a standing workstream as a core part of SafetyOn work programme.
Safe by Design
The safe by design programme brings experts together for the purpose of getting the best practice in health and safety into design. Specific topics, which are identified as high risk by the SafetyOn incident data, input from members and wider industry consultation, are investigated with the objective of making improvements at the design stage that will help to reduce incidents throughout the lifecycle of an onshore wind farm.
Electrical Safety: Hierarchy of control and competence
This workstream addresses the risks associated with HV equipment
Associate Members Participant Engagement
This workstream is to engage with SafetyOn Associate members, allowing integration, with their knowledge and experience, in the SafetyOn work programme. This workstream will allow Associate members a voice in SafetyOn operations and guarantee best possible benefits of their membership.
SafetyOn Guidance for Management of Work in Confined Spaces for Onshore Wind
This guidance document provides information on the management of work within confined spaces within the UK Onshore Wind Sector. The guidance is designed to set out a generic and consistent approach that all Duty Holders are encouraged to apply, taking account of their statutory obligations.
Publications
TAC Chair
Karl Sollis , Global Head of QSHE, Full Circle Wind Services
Karl has over 20 years experience as health, safety & environment professional. Karl started his career in the Telecommunication Industry and moved into renewable energy sector in 2009. He studied safety, health & environmental management at Nottingham & Trent University and is a Chartered member of IOSH. Karl has worked with the Operational Safety Rules Group for a number of years and represents the SafetyON TAC at the Group.
TAC Vice Chair
Stewart Reid, Manager of HSEQ, Natural Power
Stewart Reid is an organised, committed, and motivated Chartered health and safety professional, with over 12 years of experience in several high hazard industries including onshore and offshore renewables, oil and gas and civil construction. This has given him a comprehensive knowledge of health and safety within multiple sectors. The high-pressured environment of offshore life was his career for many years giving him first-hand experience of how impactful health and safety can be in the workplace. Stewart has a keen desire to improve health and safety standards across the industry, and alongside his SafetyOn activities he is a Committee Member of IOSH and is also an IOSH mentor helping others to develop their careers in Health and Safety.
Members of SafetyOn
- BayWa r.e. UK Limited
- Deutsche Windtechnik
- EDF Renewables
- Enercon Services UK Ltd
- Fred Olsen Renewables
- Full Circle
- GE Energy (UK) Limited
- Nadara
- Natural Power
- Nordex
- OnPath Energy
- Renewable Energy Systems Ltd
- RWE
- ScottishPower Renewables
- Siemens Gamesa
- SSE Renewables
- Statkraft
- Vantage RE
- Vattenfall UK
- Vestas Celtic Wind Technology Ltd