Windfarms and health and safety – event on March 27

In the context of plans for windfarms in the midlands, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Ireland Branch is hosting an event in Portlaoise on Thursday March 27 for those affected by wind power.

Local authorities, construction and planning bodies, as well as farmers and other rural industry stakeholders, are expected to attend.

IOSH Ireland Rural Industries Section chair Michael Cusack said the day-long seminar will show how occupational health and safety is fundamental to the wind energy sector.

“IOSH is committed to promoting high standards in safety management and it’s essential that local stakeholders, engineering companies and utility developers can mitigate risk of injury wherever possible,” said Mr Cusack.

“We will look at areas including landslide hazards, noise, transport of abnormal loads and livestock in an effort to inform and educate safety professionals and other interested parties.”

The talks are at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, between 8am and 3.15pm. Speakers include Health and Safety Authority CEO Martin O’Halloran, noise consultant Dick Bowdler, Kingston University’s Dr Alan Dykes, Queen’s University Belfast’s Professor Alun Evans and David McLoone of JOD Consulting Engineers.

Mr Cusack said: “This is not only a great networking opportunity for all those involved in wind energy production and rural affairs; it will help to keep Ireland’s safety record on track as demand for renewable energy grows.”