OSHA defines a recordable incident as one that requires medical treatment beyond first aid, as well as one that causes death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, or loss of consciousness. Sept. 19, 2015, was the one-year mark for this injury-free record.
According to the government agency, wind and solar energy workers are exposed to many hazards, including falls and severe burns from electrical shocks that can result in fatalities and serious injuries.
"We're proud of our safety record which is an important component of our relationship with our customers," said Greg Wolf, president, Commercial Portfolio. "As part of our sustainability plan, our goal is to excel in safety, operational excellence and environmental stewardship. This one-year milestone is an example of those efforts."
Duke Energy Renewables employs more than 300 people and has more than three gigawatts of wind and solar under operations across the United States. Its subsidiary, Duke Energy Renewable Services, provides turnkey operation and maintenance services for asset owners across the U.S. These services include offerings such as major corrective replacements, balance of plant management, condition-based monitoring and full-time site operations.
"Although the focus for Duke Energy Renewables has always been safe and efficient production of electricity, the Renewables organization has made great strides over the last two years," said Jim Barfield, manager, Environmental Health and Safety. "We have shifted from reactive safety initiatives to proactive ones through hazard recognition and mitigation, peer observations and coaching as well as other various initiatives."
"The key to our success is the persistent commitment to not only our own safety but our coworkers by empowering each person to speak up and stop unsafe behaviors, and more importantly, recognize safe behaviors," said John Valerius, area manager, Duke Energy Renewables.
"Our safety record is a credit to our safety culture and our employees' steady focus," said Jeff Wehner, vice president, operations of Duke Energy Renewables. "Safety hazards are inherent in our line of work and we know we must always be ever vigilant."
