Graduate Student University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
The rapid development of Canada’s wind industry presents both technical and human challenges – many of which are comparable to the early stages of the oil and gas industry (Hanson, 2013). Consequently, while there are significant environmental benefits of wind energy, wind turbine technicians are subject to potential threats of occupational health and safety. Recently, manual materials handling (MMH) and tasks that require substantial postural demands have been identified as some of wind turbine technicians most physically demanding tasks (Fischer et al., 2021). Limited literature exists regarding the work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WR-MSD) risks associated with these tasks. By understanding how people work, behave, and make decisions in the renewable industry, ergonomists can ensure that appropriate equipment, products, and systems are designed to best suit the work to the worker.
