Analysis and risk assessment of wind power plants in terms of occupational health and safety

Wind power plants have an important place among renewable energy sources. Therefore, in order to increase the use of wind power plants, it is necessary to raise awareness and implement practices to prevent the dangers they may pose. The aim of this study is to examine wind energy awareness and evaluate it in terms of occupational health and safety. In the study, two different surveys were applied to measure the occupational health and safety awareness of employees at the wind power plant and to measure the wind energy awareness of the people living around the power plant. A 5-point Likert scale was used as the survey scale type. Descriptive statistics of the data obtained were calculated. Additionally, survey data were analyzed using student t-test, one-way ANOVA analysis, post-hoc analysis and correlation analysis methods. A risk assessment study was conducted in a sample area to determine the hazards in wind power plants. Fine Kinney analysis was chosen as the risk assessment method. Hazards, risks and precautions were determined by creating a risk assessment table. A total of 75 dangerous situations and 5 intolerable risks were identified in the risk assessment. It has been determined that the identified intolerable risks are located in the business building, accommodation and transportation areas. A significant difference was detected between employees' occupational health and safety awareness levels and their near miss incidents. It was determined that awareness levels were high but there were issues that needed improvement. It has been determined that there is a significant difference between the public's wind energy awareness levels and the distance of their homes to the power plant area. Additionally, it has been determined that the public's wind energy awareness level is not sufficient and needs to be increased. As a result of all the studies carried out, it was determined that efforts to increase the occupational health and safety awareness of employees and the public's awareness of wind energy should be continued. The survey results and risk assessment results were evaluated and recommendations were made.