Occupational risk for an onshore wind farm

The aim of the paper is to present the quantification of risk for workers in the construction, operation and maintenance of an on shore wind farm. The method for risk estimation is based on a probabilistic model which has been developed under the WORM (Workgroup Occupational Risk Model) project and is called ORCA (Occupational Risk Calculator). This method assesses workers' risks, by considering all hazards which may occur during their daily activities and tasks as well as the exposure to these hazards. Risks of all workers, participating in the construction, operation and maintenance of a specific wind farm located in Greece have been assessed, by estimating the risk of recoverable, permanent injury and fatality. Crane operators, fitters, electricians, and maintenance workers have been ranked according to their risk. Fitters have the highest fatality risk, followed by crane operators working in the construction phase, while electrical/mechanical maintenance operators have the highest fatality risk during maintenance. Risk reduction measures for the most important hazards, which are fall from elevation and struck by falling objects, are proposed.