SPONSORS OF EAST OF SCOTLAND
HEIGHTS OF FITNESS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH FOR THOSE WHO WORK ON WIND TURBINES
Occupational health is about the effects of work on health and ensuring that people are fit for the work they do.
The renewable energy sector employs increasing numbers of technicians and engineers. The nature of their work presents its own occupational health challenges and employees who work on wind turbines need to have a certain level of fitness to carry out their duties safely.
STAMINA AND AGILITY
As soon as you take into consideration the height of wind turbines, it becomes apparent that this special group of workers will need to have plenty of stamina and agility. It stands to reason that a level of cardio-respiratory fitness as well as strong limbs and a healthy musculoskeletal system will be required for climbing. Good vision will be needed and the ability to hear direct and radio communications when working
in a noisy environment. They may have to work in confined spaces and are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. Working at heights is not for everyone and a robust and stable mentality is called for.
MEDICALS
Pre-employment medicals as well as periodic assessments need to be carried out to ensure that workers really are fit for their challenging work. Health promotion can be a valuable tool to help workers maintain their level of fitness and sometimes small lifestyle changes can lead to big improvements in health.
EXPERIENCE AND INDUSTRY SPECIFIC Abermed has been providing occupational health services (including offshore medicals) to the oil and gas industry for over 25 years and the specialist expertise and understanding accumulated is directly transferable to the renewable energy sector.
The company has developed a specific medical assessment particular to those who work on wind turbines so that their level of fitness can be assessed accurately and industry guidelines are followed.
Abermed
www.abermed.com
facility is part of Areva’s strategy to establish a manufacturing footprint that will cover the European market.”
CAPITAL INVESTMENT The location of additional turbine manufacturing in Scotland will increase the economic growth potential from renewable energy. Scotland’s renewable industry has attracted £2.8 billion capital investment since 2009.
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson said: “This announcement further demonstrates Scotland’s position as a leading contributor to the low carbon agenda and ambition to deliver safe and sustainable energy through advanced technology.
“Offshore wind is a key driver of the economic benefit of renewables and we will continue to work closely with Areva to support its development plans in Scotland, and create ongoing opportunities for wider industry growth.”
First Minister Alex Salmond (centre) witnesses the signing of an agreement between Areva CEO Luc Oursel and Scottish Enteprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson, which opens the door to 750 jobs in Scotland.
Areva
www.areva.com Scottish Enterprise
www.scottish-enterprise.com www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 71
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