Montréal, December 10, 2009 - The Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), the Laboratoire de recherche en énergie éolienne (LREE, Wind Energy Research Laboratory) and the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) have just begun an exploratory study on the health and safety risks associated with the tasks of workers in the wind energy sector, whose objective is to determine means of prevention.
Involvement of the scientific community
To support their work, the researchers joined with a follow-up committee that brings together representatives of the wind industry, joint sector-based associations, the CSST and public services. A first meeting of this committee took place in Rimouski on December 1st. The expected duration of the project is 15 months.At the end of their work, the researchers want to be able to paint a picture of the health and safety risks in this sector. Several avenues can then be developed: improvement of existing training programs, recommendations for workers’ safety and rescue, improvement of prevention programs and work methods, etc.
Forecast
The introduction of wind generators began a dozen years ago in Québec and it is estimated that approximately 3,000 wind turbines will be distributed over the territory around the years 2014-2015. More than 1,000 people will work full time in windmill park operation and maintenance, and 2,000 others will work occasionally. Modern windmills can reach heights of 80 to 100 metres.
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Pour information
Laurent Giraud, researcher
Research and Expertise Division,
IRSST
514 288-1551, ext. 396
Source
Communications Division
IRSST
