Prevention and PPE in renewable energy (solar and wind): safety when working at height

Prevention and PPE in renewable energy (solar and wind): safety when working at height

The renewable energy sector is growing steadily: wind farms, solar power stations, rooftop installations… and with this growth comes an increasing need to work to clear safety protocols and use appropriate protective equipment.

Because it’s true: the renewables sector involves technology, sustainability and the future… but it also involves working at height, weather conditions, tools, electricity and challenging surfaces. And in this context, prevention isn’t just an extra: it’s the difference between a normal working day and a serious accident.

In this article, we review the main risks involved in solar and wind energy work and the most common PPE required to tackle them effectively.

What kind of work is carried out in solar and wind energy?

Although every project is different, tasks such as the following are common in the renewables sector:

  • Assembly and maintenance of structures.
  • Work on roofs, platforms or towers.
  • Installation and inspection of electrical components.
  • Handling of heavy tools and materials.
  • Inspections, repairs and preventive maintenance tasks.

All of this is often carried out in variable conditions, outdoors and with rapidly changing factors: wind, rain, heat, mud, ice or poor visibility.

Key risks in renewable energy projects

1) FALLS FROM HEIGHT

This is the most obvious risk and one of the most critical.

In wind power, this can occur during ascent, whilst working at height, or in technical areas that are difficult to access. In solar power, the risk arises particularly on rooftops, elevated structures or work edges.
Key measures:

  • Advance planning of the work.
  • Appropriate fall protection systems.
  • Specific training in working at height.
2) ELECTRICAL RISK

In the renewables sector, electrical installations, switchboards, connections, tools and operations coexist, where risk may be present due to direct or indirect contact.

It is important to state this clearly: not all work in the renewable energy sector involves the same level of electrical risk, and prevention must always be based on the risk assessment of the specific role and established procedures.

3) WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Working outdoors means being exposed to:

  • Strong winds (particularly in wind power).
  • Rain, damp and slippery surfaces.
  • Heat and solar radiation.
  • Cold, ice or fog.

Weather conditions do not just affect comfort: they affect balance, stability and visibility, and therefore increase the risk of falls and impacts.

4) FALLS ON THE SAME LEVEL (SLIPS AND TRIPS)

In the renewable energy sector, it is very common to move around on:

  • Uneven ground.
  • Gravel, mud or wet surfaces.
  • Areas with cabling, tools or assembly components.

Many workplace injuries do not result from falls from great heights, but from a ‘simple’ slip.

5) BLOWS, ENTRAPMENTS AND CUTS

Handling metal profiles, components, tools or parts with sharp edges can cause:

  • Cuts to hands and forearms.
  • Blows from falling objects.
  • Entrapments in assembly areas.

Here, mechanical protection is key, especially for hands, head and feet.

6) CONFINED SPACES (IN SPECIFIC CASES)

Depending on the type of installation and the work to be carried out, there may be tasks in areas with limited access or reduced ventilation (manholes, ducts, plant rooms, etc.).

In these cases, a specific preventive approach and clearly defined procedures are required.

RECOMMENDED PPE FOR THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR: THE ESSENTIALS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS

Important note: PPE must always be selected in accordance with the specific job role, the risk assessment and the instructions provided by the health and safety officer.

FALL ARREST HARNESS AND ROPE ACCESS SYSTEM

When working at height, the harness is one of the most critical pieces of equipment. Not just ‘any’ harness will do: it must be correctly fitted and accompanied by the appropriate system (lifelines, lanyards, connectors, etc.).
Key point: simply wearing it is not enough; you must use it correctly.

PROTECTIVE HELMET WITH CHIN STRAP

When working at height, a helmet with a chin strap provides extra safety as it prevents it from shifting or falling off whilst working.
It also protects against blows and potential impacts from falling objects.

TECHNICAL GLOVES (DEPENDING ON THE TASK)

In the renewables sector, there is no single ‘perfect glove’: the usual approach is to adapt the type of glove to the actual task:

  • Mechanical protection against abrasion/cuts.
  • Grip for handling tools.
  • Dexterity for precision assembly tasks.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR: STABILITY, GRIP AND REAL PROTECTION

In this sector, footwear is a key element for three reasons:

1. Grip and stability on changing surfaces.
2. Protection of the foot against impacts, cuts or falling objects.
3. Comfort and durability for long shifts and harsh conditions.

In the renewable energy sector, the terrain can be uneven, slippery or demanding. Therefore, footwear should not be chosen ‘out of habit’, but based on the surface you walk on and the work you do.

The GTX800 OHMIO model, due to its construction, offers very high electrical resistance and can be an interesting option for environments where high electrical resistance is required, always within the framework and criteria of the role.

ADDITIONAL BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE SAFETY

In addition to PPE, there are habits that drastically reduce risks:

  • Check equipment before starting work (harness, connectors, footwear, gloves).
  • Keep walkways clear and free of obstacles.
  • Avoid improvising in adverse weather conditions.
  • Maintain constant communication within the team.
  • Mark out hazardous areas and demarcate work zones.
  • Do not ‘force’ tasks if access is unsafe.

IN THE RENEWABLES SECTOR, PREVENTION IS PART OF THE JOB

Solar and wind energy are sectors of the future, yes… but they are also sectors where work is carried out in demanding conditions and where safety cannot be compromised.

Good PPE doesn’t just protect: it helps you work better, with greater confidence and with less risk of errors.

And if one thing is clear in the renewables sector, it is this: where there are heights, challenging weather conditions and technical work, you need to be properly equipped.

DO YOU NEED ADVICE ON SAFETY FOOTWEAR FOR DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS?

At Fal Seguridad, we develop professional footwear designed for real-world work: stability, durability and protection for sectors where every step counts.

👉 Browse our range and find the model best suited to your activity.