Leader In Safety News Leader

2010 Late Summer Download PDF

The Winds of Change
One of Leader In Safety' current energy projects is the Talbot Wind Farm being constructed in Chatham-Kent municipalities, along Talbot Trail near the town of Ridgetown, Ontario.

On schedule for operation by 2011, the Talbot Wind Farm will generate approximately 103.5 megawatts (MW) of power, which will produce enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 25,000 typical Canadian homes.

Brought in by RB Somerville, Leader In Safety is providing site safety supervision for the construction of heavy equipment traffic routes and the 43 crane pads required for the towers. From the installation of roads and supply lanes, to the power collection system and over 77 km of a 4-wire underground cabling that connects the collection substation to the grid, Leader has overseen over 50,000 man-hours with zero lost time due to injury.

With 5-6 crews working in different areas over the 9,000 acres of private agricultural land, Site Safety Supervisor, Nils Myhren says that orientation and communication has been the key to success so far.

There are 43 wind turbines on the property, each measuring 80m (260') in height with each blade reaching 47.55m (156') in length.

"All the questions asked have been answered to the satisfaction of the stakeholders. Concerns have been addressed and it has been a collaborative effort on the part of the farmers, landowners, local government and citizens, archeologists and environmental groups. Everyone is working together and there is a positive attitude towards the project."

Maintaining the integrity of the landscape is a huge priority. Workers are sensitive to the environmental concerns and are using available routes and taking the necessary measures to ensure there is minimal to no impact on the farming community, watercourses, local wildlife and vegetation.

Any part of the landscape that is dug up is being restored as best we can, to its original form," says Myhren.

In addition to their role as Site Safety Supervisor, Leader In Safety is providing health and safety expertise in the areas of site orientation, traffic control, heavy equipment operation, WHMIS, excavation, fall protection, elevated work, platform training and first aid. All workplace certifications have been checked and if required, brought up to date.

To summarize his enthusiasm, Myhren says, "It's exciting to be part of such an amazing project. From the green energy aspect to the cooperation of the local participants, this wind farm is going to do great things for the community and the planet."

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Upcoming MOL Blitzes

• September 1 - October 31: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) - All Sectors
• November 1 - December 31: Conveyor guarding - Industrial Sector
• Between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2008: declining rates of lost-time workplace injuries avoided $5 billion in direct and indirect costs.

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Confined Space Rescue
Our Confined Space Rescue Team evaluates job sites, identifies confined spaces, assesses air quality and indicates potential hazards. Unsafe conditions are eliminated or controlled, entry permit systems will be implemented and site-specific emergency rescue plans formulated.

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Talbot Wind Farm Facts

• The estimated cost to build the project is $250 million.
• Over $75 million will be spent on civil and electrical contracting.
• At the peak of construction, the project will generate approximately 300 jobs.
• Once completed a team of up to 10 highly skilled people will manage the wind farm operation.
• One megawatt of wind generates about as much electricity as 225 to 300 houses in the US use annually.
• Wind energy preserves open space, conserves water and generates extra income for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.

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