Author: Jackie Dickens

…….it’s the foundation of every training session, facility design, and team interaction. Recognized as a finalist for the 2024 GWO Training Team of the Year in North America, STL USA stands out for its unwavering dedication to safety, continuous improvement, and the holistic development of wind technicians. ​

A Culture Rooted in Real-World Experience

What sets STL USA apart is its team of instructors who bring firsthand field experience to the classroom. Every trainer has worked in the wind industry, ensuring that lessons are grounded in real-world applications. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also builds trust and credibility among trainees.​

One standout team member is Head of Training, Brandon McKelvain, whose international recognition and qualifications underscore STL USA’s commitment to excellence. Brandon’s extensive experience and accolades reflect the high standards that STL USA upholds in its training programs.​

World-Class Facilities Designed for Immersive Learning

STL USA’s training facilities in Abilene, Texas, are meticulously designed to replicate real-world environments.

Key features include:​

• Outdoor Tower: Provides hands-on experience in climbing and rescue scenarios.​

• Pad Mount Transformer: Offers practical training in electrical safety and operations.​

• Simulated Environments: Classrooms and labs mimic actual field conditions, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for on-the-job challenges.​

These facilities are continually updated to incorporate the latest industry standards and equipment, reflecting STL USA’s commitment to providing cutting-edge training.​

Continuous Feedback and Upskilling

STL USA places a strong emphasis on continual feedback and upskilling across the entire team. By actively seeking input from trainees and industry partners, the organization ensures that its courses remain relevant and effective. This culture of continuous improvement fosters an environment where both instructors and students grow together.​

The organization’s recent introduction of low and high voltage electrical safety training, developed in collaboration with OEM partners, exemplifies this commitment to evolving with industry needs. ​

Testimonials Reflecting Excellence

Trainees consistently praise STL USA for its knowledgeable instructors and immersive training experiences:​

“Learned a lot here! Polite and helpful staff. Such a comfortable environment to learn! They have a variety of up-to-date equipment and all instructors are very knowledgeable in their respective trades.”​

“Great facility to train at whether you are new to GWO training or you just need a refresher course. They have extremely professional staff that keeps you involved in class with great demonstrations.”​

These testimonials highlight the organization’s success in creating a supportive and effective learning environment. ​

A Commitment to Safety and Excellence

STL USA’s ethos of prioritizing people, fostering continuous improvement, and leveraging real-world experience has solidified its reputation as a leader in wind technician training. As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, STL USA remains dedicated to equipping technicians with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field.​

For those seeking comprehensive, hands-on training in a supportive environment, STL USA offers an unparalleled experience.

Wind turbines soar hundreds of feet into the air, placing technicians in extreme environments where one misstep can turn routine maintenance into a life-threatening emergency. At STL USA, we believe that the key to ensuring every technician returns home safely isn’t just equipment or protocols—it’s training.

The Reality of Working at Height

Wind turbine technicians face unique risks that many other industries never encounter. High winds, confined spaces, complex machinery, and sheer elevation all contribute to a volatile working environment. Emergencies at height—whether it’s a medical crisis, equipment failure, or sudden weather shift—require not only rapid decision-making but also flawless execution of rescue procedures.

Consider the case from 2022 in Texas, where two technicians were stranded inside a nacelle after a small electrical fire. The smoke and loss of power made standard descent impossible. It was only through their advanced confined space and emergency evacuation training that they were able to safely rappel down, aided remotely by ground support using STL-modeled protocols. That incident could have easily ended in tragedy—without the right preparation.

Training That Mirrors Real-Life Scenarios

At STL USA, we don’t train for the ideal—we train for the unexpected. Our courses go far beyond box-checking compliance. We recreate real-world emergencies, using advanced simulators and at-height rescue setups to ensure that technicians are not just knowledgeable, but capable under pressure.

For example:

• Suspension Trauma Rescue: A technician suffers a fall but is caught by a harness. Without prompt rescue, suspension trauma can set in within minutes. Our training teaches teams how to perform a pick-off rescue quickly and safely—techniques that saved a life in Oklahoma in 2023 after a maintenance worker fell during blade inspection.

• Confined Space Evacuation: Turbine nacelles and hubs can be cramped, with minimal visibility and egress routes. In California, an STL-trained crew used their confined space training to extract a coworker suffering from heat exhaustion—navigating the maze-like structure with composure and precision.

• Medical Emergencies at Height: Whether it’s a cardiac event or severe laceration, treating and evacuating an injured person from a nacelle requires specialized training. Our courses include hands-on trauma management and real-world scenarios where time and teamwork are critical.

More Than Just Compliance—A Culture of Safety

Too often, safety training is treated as a checkbox on a compliance form. But at STL USA, we build a culture of proactive safety awareness. That means:

• Customized programs tailored to specific turbine models and site conditions.

• Ongoing upskilling so technicians stay sharp on the latest protocols.

• Certified instructors with real-world experience in rescue operations and wind energy fieldwork.

One of our partners, a leading wind operator in the Midwest, reported a 40% decrease in incident response time after enrolling their teams in our Emergency at Height training. Why? Because practice breeds confidence. And in this line of work, confidence saves lives.

Partner with STL USA – The Leaders in Wind Technician Safety

We’ve trained thousands of technicians across North America, and our reputation is built on results. When emergencies strike 300 feet in the air, there’s no time for hesitation. STL USA equips your teams with the skills, mindset, and muscle memory to respond instinctively—and effectively.

Wind energy is the future. Let’s make sure that future is safe for everyone who powers it.

Contact us today to learn more about our Emergency at Height training programs and how STL USA can help elevate your safety standards—literally and figuratively.

The renewable energy sector—especially wind and solar—presents unique safety challenges. Technicians often work at great heights, handle high-voltage equipment, and face unpredictable weather conditions. While the industry has made great strides in safety, common mistakes still lead to injuries, equipment damage, and costly downtime.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common safety mistakes made by renewable energy technicians, real-world examples of accidents, and how proper training—such as that offered by STL USA—can prevent these hazards.

1. Inadequate Fall Protection and High-Risk Climbing Practices

The Mistake:

One of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in wind energy is fall-related incidents. Many technicians fail to properly secure their harnesses, use outdated equipment, or take unnecessary risks when climbing turbine towers.

Real-World Example:

In 2022, a wind turbine technician in Texas suffered a fatal fall due to a worn-out safety harness that failed mid-climb. Investigators found that the technician had not undergone recent fall protection training and was unaware of the harness’s expiration date.

How to Avoid It:

• Always perform pre-use safety checks on harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.

• Never rush or skip safety steps when climbing.

• Take GWO-certified Working at Heights training with STL USA to master best practices for high-altitude work.

2. Improper Electrical Safety Precautions

The Mistake:

Many solar and wind technicians underestimate arc flash hazards and fail to follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when working on electrical systems.

Real-World Example:

A solar farm in Arizona experienced a severe accident when a technician bypassed LOTO procedures while servicing an inverter. The unexpected surge resulted in an arc flash explosion, causing third-degree burns and severe downtime for the facility.

How to Avoid It:

• Follow strict LOTO procedures before working on any electrical component.

• Wear appropriate arc-rated PPE to reduce injury risk.

• Get hands-on electrical safety training through STL USA’s OSHA-aligned programs.

3. Neglecting Proper PPE Usage

The Mistake:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) saves lives, yet some technicians fail to wear the right gear for the job. Common errors include using expired helmets, skipping safety gloves, or not wearing proper eye protection.

Real-World Example:

At a wind farm in Iowa, a worker lost vision in one eye after being struck by debris from a damaged turbine blade. Investigators discovered he was not wearing safety goggles, despite working in a high-risk maintenance area.

How to Avoid It:

• Conduct daily PPE checks before beginning work.

• Replace outdated or damaged safety gear.

• Undergo ANSI-approved PPE training with STL USA to stay up to date on best practices.

4. Underestimating Weather-Related Hazards

The Mistake:

Technicians often work in extreme environments, from icy turbine towers to scorching solar fields. Failing to account for weather conditions can lead to slips, heat exhaustion, or even electrocution.

Real-World Example:

In 2021, two wind turbine technicians in North Dakota were injured after working on a tower during high winds. A sudden gust caused an unsecured panel to detach, striking both workers and resulting in serious injuries.

How to Avoid It:

• Always check weather conditions before ascending turbines or working on solar arrays.

• Use extreme caution when working in rain, ice, or high winds.

• Let STL USA build a training program specific to your facility to be able to recognize and mitigate weather-related risks.

5. Poor Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Knowledge

The Mistake:

In high-risk environments, every second counts. Yet, many technicians lack proper first aid training or fail to react correctly in emergency situations.

Real-World Example:

At a solar farm in California, a technician suffered a cardiac arrest while working in an isolated area. His co-workers, unfamiliar with CPR or AED usage, lost valuable minutes waiting for paramedics. Unfortunately, the technician did not survive.

How to Avoid It:

• Ensure all team members complete GWO First Aid Training.

• Equip work sites with proper emergency response tools, including AEDs.

• Conduct regular emergency drills to improve response times and coordination.

How STL USA Reduces Safety Risks

At STL USA, we understand that proper training saves lives and prevents costly accidents. Our safety courses are designed to give renewable energy technicians the hands-on skills they need to stay safe, work smart, and remain compliant with OSHA, ANSI, and GWO regulations.

What We Offer:

✅ GWO Working at Heights & Advanced Rescue Training – Master safe climbing and emergency evacuation techniques.
✅ OSHA Electrical Safety & LOTO Certification – Learn to prevent arc flashes and electrical accidents.
✅ ANSI-Approved PPE & Fall Protection Training – Ensure proper use and maintenance of critical safety gear.
✅ Emergency Response & First Aid Courses – Be prepared for medical emergencies on-site.

Stay Safe – Book Your Training Today!

Safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a responsibility. By investing in high-quality training with STL USA, renewable energy companies can protect their workforce, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance.

📞 Call us at (512) 661 2570
📩 Email info@safetytechnologyusa.com

Click here to book your next training session!

Don’t wait for an accident to happen—train today, stay safe tomorrow!