A Study of Safety Compliances and Incident Analysis in Renewable Energy Projects

Abstract

The rapid expansion of renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and biomass in India has been pivotal to achieving sustainable development goals and reducing carbon emissions. However, amidst this growth, occupational safety and health (OSH) concerns have received insufficient attention, leading to frequent incidents and safety lapses across sectors. This study investigates safety compliance levels, incident patterns, and root causes in six operational renewable energy projects, employing a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys, interviews, site observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal significant disparities in safety practices among different technologies, with wind projects demonstrating higher adherence to standards such as ISO 45001 and OSHA guidelines, while biomass plants lag due to inadequate safety systems and training. Common issues identified include PPE non-compliance, poor incident reporting, and weak emergency preparedness. The research underscores the urgent need for strengthening safety management systems, fostering a safety culture, and aligning practices with national standards like the Indian Electricity Rules and international norms. Implementing targeted recommendations can significantly reduce workplace incidents, improve safety performance, and support India’s broader energy transition objectives, ensuring that sustainable development is accompanied by responsible occupational safety practices.

Introduction

As India rapidly expands its renewable energy (RE) infrastructure—targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030—there is growing concern about the occupational safety risks in this sector. Despite its “green” reputation, RE involves physical and technical hazards (e.g., electrical shocks, falls, equipment failure), and safety practices often lag behind growth. This study systematically investigates safety compliance, incident patterns, and root causes across solar, wind, and biomass energy projects in India.

???? Key Objectives

1. Assess safety practices in RE projects.

2. Identify common incident types and their causes.

3. Evaluate training levels and worker preparedness.

4. Provide recommendations to enhance on-site safety.

???? Background & Literature Insights

• RE technologies introduce unique risks:

  • Wind: heights, moving parts

  • Solar: electrical exposure

  • Biomass: fire and chemical hazards

• Studies cite PPE non-compliance, poor training, and incident under-reporting as widespread issues.

• Innovations like drone inspections and IoT monitoring offer promise but are not widely adopted.

• Most research to date focuses on technology, not on safety culture or organizational gaps.

???? Methodology

• Research type: Applied, field-based

• Approach: Mixed-methods (quantitative + qualitative)

• Case studies: 6 operational RE projects (2 each from wind, solar, and biomass)

Data Collection:

• Questionnaires: 60 workers/safety staff

• Interviews: 12 stakeholders (engineers, officers, supervisors, consultants)

• Site observations & audit reports

• Secondary sources: ISO 45001, ILO guidelines, IRENA reports

Tools Used:

• Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis

• Frequency tables, cross-tabulations, Likert scale mean rankings

???? Key Findings

???? Common Incident Types (n = 27)

? Interpretation: Most incidents are moderate and preventable, emphasizing the need for better PPE, training, and supervision.

???? Root Causes of Incidents

? Interpretation: Human-related factors dominate, but many incidents are avoidable with improved training and procedural discipline.

???? Training Coverage by Sector

? Interpretation: Wind projects lead in training efforts; solar and biomass sectors require urgent attention to increase training participation.

????? Interview Insights

• Human error, inconsistent SOP enforcement, and contractor negligence were key themes.

• Management challenges: time constraints, resource limitations, and real-world deviations from formal procedures.

• Emphasis on need for supervision, practical safety training, and stronger safety culture.

Conclusion

The growth of India\'s renewable energy sector offers promising avenues for sustainable development but is impeded by significant safety challenges.[17] This study highlights critical gaps in safety compliance, incident management, and organizational culture across solar, wind, and biomass projects.[18] Addressing these gaps requires a holistic approach involving targeted training, infrastructure upgrades, inclusive safety policies, and strong leadership commitment. Implementing these recommendations can lead to safer workplaces, reduced incident rates, and enhanced project sustainability, aligning with national and global energy transition goals.[19] Future research should explore technological innovations and long-term safety performance to further strengthen the sector\'s safety framework.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Rajesh Mahour, Nishant Singh Kushwaha. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.