Story of a Wind Energy Technician: What you don't see

In a landscape that combines the beauty of the horizon with the imposing figure of wind turbines, the unsung heroes of wind energy work silently: maintenance technicians. With certified skills and a discreet profile, these professionals face daily risks that go beyond simple height.

Juan, a wind energy technician, starts his day before dawn. The morning breeze brings with it not only fresh air but also the imminent danger of your work. Every day, Juan ensures that his personal protective equipment (PPE) is in perfect condition, strictly following regulations. He knows that his life may depend on a well-secured harness or a rope removed from danger.

The ascent to the top of a wind turbine is not for the faint of heart. At a height of 100 meters, Juan inspects and repairs the essential components of the turbine. However, height isn't the only risk. The chemicals used in maintenance and extreme weather conditions add an invisible but constant layer of danger. The Occupational Risk Prevention Act establishes the need for continuous risk assessments, but in practice, implementation may be insufficient.

Has anyone ever read a technical data sheet for a harmful product? Surely not. Juan, yes. Know the risks of the products you handle, from resins and fibers to solvents, many of which can cause irreversible damage in the short or long term. However, this critical information is often ignored or underestimated, and workers are rarely fully informed about the associated hazards. In addition, contact with vapors and particles of fiber and dust in the environment is a constant risk. These particles can cause respiratory problems, allergies and other diseases, attacking the nervous system and others, making an already risky task even more dangerous. Due to ignorance, many technicians do not adequately protect themselves from these respiratory risks, relying only on their experience and not on appropriate safety measures.

Work autonomy is another reality that Juan must deal with. Hired as a freelancer, this work structure allows companies to evade direct responsibility for their health and safety. Although the salary may seem attractive, Juan knows that future health and medical treatment costs could exceed his savings.. The insurance policies you pay only cover potential damage to turbine blades. However, you know that liability insurance will not cover your future illness. Occupational diseases, resulting from exposure to hazardous substances and working conditions, will be a cost that Juan will have to bear personally. Nowadays, as a young profession, there are no exact statistics on the impact on the bodies of technicians, all due to exposure to harmful products without adequate protection.

Does anyone know the hours they work tirelessly? Juan, yes. Their workday usually extends beyond the regular eight hours, often with endless trips without reward and without being valued. Even if they are resting in their hammock, vapors and dust continue to circulate during the hours of rest, since those hours occur in the same place where the environment is harmful.

The lack of adequate breaks and constant stress increase the risk of accidents and health problems, something that is rarely mentioned in official safety and accident reports. Both parties, both technicians and companies, know that the hours worked are not what they should be. It's all about money; no one measures safety exposed to a risk of dust, fumes and hours of rest.

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Few talk about the economic pressure and stress that Juan faces. The responsibility for keeping green technology operational lies on their shoulders, while large corporations benefit from clean energy and apparent low accident rates. Society celebrates sustainability without knowing the personal sacrifice of technicians like Juan, who risk their well-being day after day.

The main problem lies in the lack of awareness of both companies and employees. Responsibilities seem innocuous in the face of a fictitious risk for many, a perception that minimizes the real dangers faced by these workers. Awareness of these risks must be more latent in training and on the part of companies. A dismissal for not taking care of your health should not be seen as such, but as a protective measure.

In addition, there is the problem of drug and alcohol use after work. Many technicians use these substances to relieve stress and tiredness, without considering how they may affect your performance the next day. The lack of adequate recovery and the residual effects of these substances increase the risk of accidents, endangering your life and that of your companions.

In spite of everything, Juan is proud of his work. The energy you help generate is crucial for a cleaner future. However, you can't help but reflect on the working conditions that should improve. Increased awareness and regulation could ensure that your work is not only safe, but also fair. Juan's life, like that of many other technicians, is based on a salary that, in the short term, has harmful consequences for his health and well-being in the medium or long term.

Safety and rescue plans are not considered in a definite way and, in many cases, are too generic. Critical aspects such as driving, environmental hazards, low and high temperatures, hydration, hours exposed to chemical and respiratory hazards, gusts of wind, suitable anchoring points, rope rubbing and efficient rescues with necessary materials are often absent in these environments. The lack of consideration for these factors puts technicians at risk and compromises the effectiveness of operations.

Juan does not try to hurt anyone with these words, he only seeks to raise awareness and reflect on the part of all those involved in this sector, which helps many families to succeed and feel useful in an increasingly competitive market with no regard for people.

If you feel identified in any way, leave us your comment with a constructive text to reflect your reality as well as that of Juan.

Take care of yourself above all else.

Juan's story is not unique., and every wind energy technician carries a similar story of risk, sacrifice and hope in a world that seeks to be more sustainable.

This story not only seeks to make visible the risks and challenges of wind energy technicians, but rather to highlight the importance of raising awareness with adequate labor protection above all else, considering both the visible and the invisible dangers of this vital industry.

If you identify with this story and want to improve your working conditions, learn more about our training and success stories.