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May 13, 2009
Wind Energy Industry's Positive and Growing Impact on the Economy: New Safety Training “Boot Camp” for Entry Level Workers and Safety Industry’s Fall Protection Equipment
The rapid growth of the wind energy industry in the U.S. and its economic effects relating to manufacturers, safety training and fall protection equipment.
(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2009 -- Fall protection safety is growing leaps and bounds in the wind energy industry. Wind turbines are popping up across the United States and it has been said that the U.S. is, “…set to be the global leader in the output of wind produced energy.” With 20 percent of the federal economic stimulus package being put towards renewable energy, this is not an unrealistic statement or goal. And according to the American Wind Energy Association, employment from the wind energy increased from 50,000 in 2007 to 85,000 the following year. Manufacturers for wind turbines and its components have been expanding facilities to meet demand.
One college in California, Cerro Ceso Community College, had the foresight to start preparing people to go into the booming Wind Industry field, with a focus on safety. Students from over the U.S have come to attend “Boot Camp.” The college and its instructor, Larry Board, have teamed up with Airstreams Energy, a wind energy company. The ten week boot camp class covers seven key areas: safety (specifically climbing and tower rescue), OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, Electronics & Hydraulics 101, Fall Protection test (consisting of climbing turbines at a local Wind Farm), a written exam and resume writing prep.
The ten week course provides entry training for those entering the wind energy field in tower erection or maintenance. More extensive training is done with companies, often teaming new workers as apprentices with teams to further advance training.
As the wind energy industry grows, it must be protected by the growing safety industry. Fall protection equipment must meet and exceed the unique requirements needed in the wind energy industry. A key component of safety is equipment. Instructors and professionals like Larry Board often choose to use higher-end safety harnesses that focus on excellent design, padding and other extras (like hydration systems or tool carrying options) that aren’t found in less expensive versions.
Fall protection equipment is crucial to the job, but comfortable, well-designed fall protection equipment makes it easier to focus on the job.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at May 13, 2009 09:20 PM