OSHA and the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
Alliance Close-Out Report
On August 8, 2011, OSHA and the AWEA formed an Alliance to enhance workplace health and safety and assist employers by developing a preventive focus regarding workplace hazards in the wind energy industry.
Based on discussions regarding the future of the Alliance, OSHA and AWEA agreed to conclude the agreement as of January 14, 2015. A number of successes have resulted from OSHA and AWEA. For example:
- AWEA conducted a Wind Energy Best Practices Seminar for the OSHA Wind Response Team. The three day seminar was presented to OSHA participants from several regions. The AWEA trainer provided both class room and hands on training during the seminar to over 40 OSHA employees.
- AWEA developed a Fall Protection Training Module to provide employees in the wind industry with an introduction on fall protection. The program contains practical precautions and instruction to help reduce risks at job sites while taking into account the requirements for the job. The training program was posted on AWEA's Web site and linked to from a variety of OSHA Web site locations.
- AWEA provided several opportunities for OSHA staff to give presentations and staff exhibit booths to disseminated OSHA's publications at AWEA's conferences from 2011-2013.
- AWEA participated in the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable, and assisted with strategies to reach diverse workforces at the roundtable meetings from 2011 through 2013.
Report Prepared by: Morgan Seuberling, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, January 20, 2015.