| |August - 20239E ERGYTech ReviewSafety should be practical and tailored to the scope of work from the start. Through hazard elimination, we don't just ask, "can we install solar modules or wind turbines?" We ask "How will we install it? What are the risks associated with these tasks? and how will we control these risks?" As the Director of Safety at PosiGen, we strive to apply the mindset of hazard elimination to renewable energy by doing the following: Recognize hazards, remove those hazards, substitute the danger, and isolate team members. When surveying for a job, note damage, holes, fall hazards, electrical concerns, and those hazardous items which will compromise the overall safety of anyone affected by the project. As system designing occurs, considerations are made for key safety concerns such as the distance from power lines or access and egress points. Engineering safety controls into the final installation design. Determine access and egress points, determine what type of fall protection should be used, and determine when Arc Flash Clothing should be worn during electrical installation.In 2022, PosiGen adopted Hazard Elimination as its focus, and it was found that as safety audits were held and incident reporting was encouraged, hazards were identified and the data collected was used to eliminate hazards. As a result, PosiGen's Total Recordable Injury Rate decreased by over 60 percent. I will leave the reader with this thought: while Renewable Energy breaks record numbers, we should strive to make sure our team members never become one themselves. Safety is essential and eternal. While 5,190 fatal work injuries were recorded in the past, we in the Renewable Energy Industry can create a positive effect by eliminating the hazard. Build upon it and make it essential to your process. Eliminating the hazard is what allows each of us to be part of the Renewable Energy boom and enjoy the benefits for years to come. Michael Kennerson, CHST, leads the Safety Program at PosiGen Solar & Energy Efficiency, the nation's leading residential solar, energy efficiency and energy education provider for low-to-moderate income families. PosiGen has more than 22,000 residential customers, over 600 direct employees, and supports more than 150 employees through its contractors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In 2022, PosiGen adopted Hazard Elimination as its focus, and it was found that as safety audits were held and incident reporting was encouraged, hazards were identified and the data collected was used to eliminate hazards. As a result, PosiGen's Total Recordable Injury Rate decreased by over 60 percent
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