Alternative Energy

Technology innovation and concerns surrounding the impacts of climate change have led to the emergence of “green” industries that aim to reduce hazardous emissions and the use of hazardous materials. But not all green jobs are inherently safe – processes and technologies used in these emerging industries may introduce new hazards to the workplace. This page offers resources on occupational health hazards associated with alternative energy sources – including wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, and biofuels – and the implications for worker training. For related information, please visit our Green Jobs and Climate Resilience pages.

Training Resources

WTP Resources

• Spring 2010 Green Jobs Training Resource-Sharing Session: Developing a Green Safety and Health Movement(141KB)

WTP Technical Workshops

• Fall 2014 Technical Workshop – Climate Change and Worker Health
• Fall 2008 Technical Workshop – Implications for Safety and Health Training in a Green Economy

Federal Links and Documents

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

• Climate Change and Occupational Safety and Health
• Prevention through Design – Green, Safe, and Healthy Jobs

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• Green Job Hazards Page

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Alternative Energy at Superfund Sites
• Pollution Prevention (P2) Page

Other Links and Documents

• BlueGreen Alliance Home Page
• European Agency for Safety and Health at Work: Workers’ Safety and Health in Green Jobs