- Global Wind Organisation publishes second annual report on worker 
      training in wind energy
    - 74,432 technicians in 156 countries had valid GWO training certificate
      by 31.12.18
    - Rapid growth sees 65% increase in people trained

    A group of the worlds' largest wind turbine manufacturers and owners today 
re-affirmed their commitment to use globally recognized minimum safety training 
standards for workers across the world.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/822608/GWO_Logo.jpg )

(Photo: 
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/822606/Eloy_Jauregui_Chairman_of_Global_Wind_Organisation.jpg 
)

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/822607/GWO_Training.jpg )

    Global Wind Organisation (GWO), a non-profit body owned by 16 leading wind 
energy companies has reported rapid rises in the numbers of people trained to 
its standards. GWO standards align basic safety and technical training to a set 
of unified specifications that are recognised around the world, creating a 
safer and more productive workforce.

    With 74,432 (+65%) people holding a valid certificate by the end of 2018, 
an estimated 5-10% of the global workforce in wind energy[1] is now trained to 
GWO standards.

    Eloy Jauregui, Director of Safety at Acciona Energia and Chairman of Global 
Wind Organisation, said:

    "Having 5-10% of the workforce trained to GWO standard is an achievement. 
But our challenge is just beginning.

    "People working on wind turbines around the world are generally not trained 
to GWO standards and we believe that wherever possible, they should be. We will 
increase our efforts to engage globally and collaboratively; promote the 
adoption of mutually recognized safety standards and provide adequate 
governance around the delivery of training, so we can strive towards our 
mission of creating an injury free working environment in wind energy."

    The GWO 2018 Annual Report ( 
https://www.globalwindsafety.org/statistics/gwo-annual-report-2018 ) can be 
downloaded here ( 
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/822609/GWO_Annual_Report_2018.pdf ). 

    Highlights include the following data:

    Number of people with a valid GWO record 

    Date         Total      % Change

    31.12.2017   45,314        

    31.12.2018   74,432       +65%

    GWO Certified Training Sites 

    Date         Total      % Change

    31.12.2017    220

    31.12.2018    288         +31%  


    Editors' Notes   

    GWO is a non-profit organisation of wind turbine owners and wind turbine 
manufacturers, committed to the creation and adoption of standardized safety 
training and emergency procedures.

    Independent training providers deliver GWO-certified training to delegates 
worldwide. Training records are uploaded and stored in the GWO WINDA database. 
Each GWO-trained worker's records are identified by a unique WINDA ID personal 
to them, allowing employers to verify training records quickly and easily, 
providing worker mobility and helping employers avoid unnecessary spending on 
re-training.

    References:

    1. Global employment in Wind Energy = 1.14m (2018). Source: International 
Renewable Energy Association http://resourceirena.irena.org/gateway/dashboard/
    
    GWO Member companies

    Acciona Energia, Goldwind, Shanghai Electric, GE Renewable Energy, 
Envision, Senvion, E.ON Climate & Renewables, Innogy, SSE, MHI Vestas, Vestas, 
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Vattenfall, Equinor, Enercon, Ørsted.

    All photos copyright Global Wind Organisation


SOURCE: Global Wind Organisation