Specific training for safety and health at work in wind farms

Safety and health at work in the wind sector are crucial. Learn about GWO training, its modules (working at height, first aid, etc.) and the applicable legislation in Portugal to ensure a safe and certified working environment.

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Specific training for safety and health at work in wind farms

The Global Wind Organization (GWO) is a non-profit organisation founded by leading wind turbine manufacturers and operators. Its objective is to promote a safer and more productive workforce through certified training, essential for the global wind industry.

The Rise of the Wind Sector and the Need for Training

The wind sector is expanding rapidly, representing an area of significant growth and the creation of new employment opportunities. With this growth, it is imperative that workers are properly prepared for the inherent challenges and risks of these operations, especially in complex environments such as wind farms.

Why GWO Certification?

GWO certification is mandatory for subcontractors and workers in the wind sector. It ensures the provision of services in an optimised and safe manner, being a requirement to access contracts with the main players in the wind industry. The Global Wind Organization (GWO) integrates the largest companies in the sector worldwide, which have developed rigorous training programs to ensure the safety and health of employees.

These programs cover areas such as:

GWO defines the safety content necessary for work in the wind energy sector, developing the didactic material for professionals to certify themselves in the required specialties.

BST (Basic Safety Training Standard) Training Modules

The BST (Basic Safety Training Standard) training modules are structured to cover essential safety competencies:

Training Modalities

GWO training is divided into two main modalities:

Training Validity and Recertification

BST training is valid for 24 months. After this period, it is essential to undergo recertification training, designated as BSTR (Basic Safety Training Refresh), to renew the certification for another 24 months. The BSTR modules are similar to the initial ones, but with adapted durations:

To access the BSTR modules, the trainee must meet two requirements:

Other Additional Modules

Recently, a module was integrated into GWO focused on the use of lifts in wind turbines, lasting 4 hours. Its objectives are to ensure the safety of workers and to standardise the design and operation of lifts in the industry. The validity of this training is permanent, although recertification every 24 months is recommended.

There is also the ART (Advanced Rescue Training) module, which deepens the control of risks associated with rescue operations of victims in complex environments (blade, hub, nacelle, among others). This module ensures a more efficient operation and the self-sufficiency of rescuers. ART is composed of four courses:

The only requirement to attend these courses is to have valid basic GWO training in Working at Height, Electrical Risk (equivalent or integrated into the other modules, such as First Aid with an electrical risk component), Manual Handling and First Aid.

It is essential to remember that GWO training can only be provided by certified entities, thus guaranteeing the quality and recognition of professional qualification in the wind sector. Always look for accredited institutions for initial training, refresher training, or advanced modules.

Written by Dulce Barbosa

Diretora da Área de Formação

Dulce Barbosa is Head of the Training Department at Quirónprevención Portugal, responsible for the design and quality of the DGERT-certified training content. She is dedicated to ensuring relevant, up-to-date training tailored to the real needs of companies and their employees.