The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) has launched an inspection campaign that is targeting renewable energy installations.

As the first inspection campaign of its kind to be carried out by the Authority, the facilities that will be inspected include wind farms, solar farms and anaerobic digestion facilities.

The inspection is being carried out due to a rapid growth in the renewable energy industry. As the Climate Action Plan target of up to 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 is being delivered on, there will be continued growth in renewable energy industry across Ireland in coming years.

HSA inspectors will focus on key hazards including:

• excavations,

• lifting operations,

• working at height

• electrical safety,

• gas safety, and

• emergency response plans.

To ensure a safe working environment for workers, renewable energy employers should:

-- Advertisement --

• carry out risk assessments for work activities and make sure all work is properly planned, organised and carried out by a competent person,

• chose the right work equipment including PPE, and

• ensure all those working and visiting sites understand the risks and comply with safety systems.

Wind farms harness the largest amount of renewable energy. Once wind and solar farms are up and running and construction work has been completed, they are considered a workplace. All persons who have control over wind or solar duties should ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that these work sites do not pose a risk to those working there or to anyone not employed there but may have access to these sites.

Greg Beechinor, Senior Inspector, at the HSA said: "Although this is a relatively new and growing industry, renewable energy work sites are like any other work site in Ireland and should have health and safety as a high priority. The Authority urges employers to carry out the appropriate risk assessments and identify health and safety hazards. Appropriate control measures should be identified and implemented in consultation with workers. Taking these necessary steps can prevent serious or fatal injury."

Eibhlin O’Leary, Programme Manager, Occupational Safety at the HSA, said: "The HSA will be expanding on its guidance around renewable energy and look forward to working with key stakeholder groups in this area to achieve a safe working environment for all workers in this industry."