Occupational Risk Assessment of Wind Turbines in Bangladesh

Wind energy is among the foremost vital renewable energy sources in the world. With the increase in its popularity and use, the requirement for safety measures regarding this type of energy is becoming more prevalent. The development and operation requirements that come with installing and running wind turbines have many risks that need managing and mitigation. This study implemented a risk evaluation method for the transportation, construction, operation, and maintenance of wind turbines, employing the fuzzy method. Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP), a multi-criteria higher cognitive process technique, was used to determine the weights of the risk parameters evaluated with the Fine-Kinney method. After that, the Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) was employed for ranking the hazard's source. Using Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) consultants, this study was conducted in Bangladesh regarding its onshore turbines. Findings have revealed that the most prevalent hazards during transportation, construction, operation, and maintenance, respectively, are Driving vehicles at night in dark weather conditions, Work in hot and humid conditions, Inclement weather, and Entering of unauthorized persons. The results of this study can help the OHS department to track these risks and to control and minimize them.

Automated summary

This study implemented a fuzzy method to assess the risks associated with the transportation, construction, operation, and maintenance of wind turbines. The results revealed the most prevalent hazards in each stage, which can assist the OHS department in tracking and controlling these risks.