How can you ensure workers are trained to safely work on wind projects?

The first step to ensuring workers are trained to safely work on wind projects is to assess your training needs. You need to identify the skills and knowledge gaps of your current and potential workers, and the specific requirements and standards of your wind projects. You can use various tools and methods to conduct a training needs analysis, such as surveys, interviews, observations, audits, and performance reviews. Based on the results, you can prioritize the most critical and urgent training topics, and plan your training budget and schedule accordingly.

The next step is to choose your training methods. You need to consider the learning objectives, the target audience, the available resources, and the expected outcomes of your training. There are different types of training methods you can use, such as classroom-based, online, on-the-job, or blended. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the complexity, frequency, and duration of the training. For example, classroom-based training may be more effective for theoretical and conceptual topics, while online training may be more convenient and flexible for self-paced and interactive learning. On-the-job training may be more practical and realistic for hands-on and situational topics, while blended training is great.

The third step is to design your training content. You need to ensure that your training content is relevant, accurate, clear, and consistent with your learning objectives and training methods. You also need to make sure that your training content is aligned with the industry standards and regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) standards, and the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) criteria. You can use various formats and media to present your training content, such as slides, videos, manuals, quizzes, games, or simulations. You can also use different strategies and techniques to enhance your training content, such as storytelling, case studies,etc.

The fourth step is to deliver your training program. You need to ensure that your training program is delivered by qualified and experienced trainers, who can communicate effectively, facilitate learning, and provide feedback. You also need to ensure that your training program is delivered in a safe and conducive environment, where workers can access the necessary equipment, materials, and support. You can use various tools and platforms to deliver your training program, such as webinars, podcasts, e-learning courses, or mobile apps. You can also use different methods and approaches to deliver your training program, such as lectures, discussions, workshops, or mentoring.

The fifth step is to evaluate your training outcomes. You need to measure and analyze the impact and effectiveness of your training program, and how it has improved the safety and performance of your workers and your wind projects. You can use various indicators and metrics to evaluate your training outcomes, such as completion rates, test scores, feedback forms, or key performance indicators. You can also use different levels and methods to evaluate your training outcomes, such as reaction, learning, behavior, or results. Based on the evaluation, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your training program, and make adjustments and improvements as needed.

With advancing technology, technical knowhow and standard operating procedure are dynamic. This underscore the need to update training curriculum as need arises. Annual and need based reviews are recommended.

The sixth and final step is to update your training plan. You need to keep your training plan up to date and relevant, as the wind industry is constantly evolving and changing. You need to monitor and review the trends and developments in the wind sector, and how they affect your training needs and objectives. You also need to solicit and incorporate the feedback and suggestions from your workers, your clients, and your stakeholders, and how they can enhance your training quality and outcomes. You can use various sources and channels to update your training plan, such as newsletters, podcasts, webinars, or conferences. You can also use different processes and procedures to update your training plan, such as annual reviews, audits,etc.

Your past experiences and accident reporting can gleen the lack of particular skills or raise red flags, that preceeded accidents, and then, build safety talks about those vulnerabilities and conditions, that may have exacerbated conditions inside a tower or around the work area.