Getting Fit and Staying Healthy in the Wind Industry

At the start of a new year, it seems everyone is resolved to complete an Ironman or at least lose a few pounds. While I’m often hosting a podcast or otherwise staring at a screen – not the best exercise routine! - I regularly interview people for the Uptime podcast who climb wind turbines and others who spend long stretches of time working in very remote conditions and isolated areas.

How do wind technicians get fit for their jobs? And how do they stay healthy in challenging conditions? Below, I’ve noted some of what I’ve learned. For more on the topic, tune in to the podcast and, please, join the conversation.

Training for Jobs in the Wind Profession

When you’re working in a wind operation, every day is a physical endurance test. Driving 5 or more hours to a job site, and then donning several pounds of safety gear before climbing a couple an 80 meter (or higher!) tower is a regular day on the job for a wind technician.

Of course, when you’re working on wind turbines there are few “regular days” on the job. Some of the challenges, like not freezing to death while working on a turbine in frigid weather, are pretty interesting - and intense.

So how do they get physically fit for the job?

Northwest Renewable Energy Institute suggests that technicians adopt a strength training program for endurance and stamina. Because grip strength is one especially important area to work on, exercises for climbers are often recommended for field technicians.

Many people are surprised that there is no industry standard fitness test or standard criteria for wind technicians. However, there are some general guidelines, like those recommended by American Clean Power here,

And when the job is as challenging as working at heights, there’s more to being prepared than “just” physical fitness.

What’s the job like? Learn more here.

Beyond Physical Fitness: Keys to Maintaining Mental Health

Going to work in any remote or unforgiving environment requires both good physical fitness and a high level of mental toughness and resourcefulness. Northwest Renewable Energy Institute puts it this way:

“Wind turbine technicians troubleshoot technical and mechanical problems while using physical strength, high in the air or confined in small spaces. Sometimes the job requires them to have to make quick decisions, especially if there is any kind of safety issue.” – Mental Training at Home: Preparation for Wind Turbine Technicians

While a lot of skills translate from other professions, preparing to work as a wind turbine technician requires specialized training programs, and a number of schools do it well.

But there’s only so much that can be taught in a certificate training program. Some of the most important learning occurs on the job, and in ongoing and supplemental safety training.

One of the most exciting training programs we’ve seen comes from the relatively new Active Training Team, which uses immersive role-playing techniques (featuring professional actors) to improve situational awareness and foster better communication among wind operations team members.

ATT is bringing the Thrive USA program to Houston on January 24 - only a few seats remain as the program is limited to 30 participants. Register your interest here or by emailing florence@activetrainingteam.co.uk

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Over the past couple of years, we’ve been part of a number of conversations about the importance of mental health. It’s important to address the issue, since both physical and mental fitness are critical to being able to do the job.

In an article on its website, GEV offers several good suggestions for managing the stress that goes with the job.

How Prometheus Wind founders rely on their Air Force Training

What Are the Best Ways to Reach and Maintain Necessary Fitness Levels?

Having confidence in your abilities, including your ability to make critical decisions quickly, may come naturally to some people, but almost everyone can improve with well-designed training programs.

We’d like to hear from you and about how you maintain your physical and mental fitness levels to do your best in the demanding wind industry.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out here.

Whatever your fitness goals in the new year, I wish you well.

Stay Charged!

Allen