Protecting Lives from Above: How GWO’s Updated Dropped Object Training Is Raising Industry Standards

It might sound relatively innocuous, but the number of injuries within the wind industry derived from dropped objects remains persistently high and this potentially deadly hazard is particularly relevant for those working at height. Whether it’s a spanner slipping from a technician’s belt or a dislodged component falling from height, the consequences can be severe leading to serious injuries, fatalities and equipment damage.

In response, the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) has recently revised its training standards, placing greater emphasis on dropped object prevention and hand-tool safety. At Safer at Work, we are embedding these changes into our GWO-certified courses ensuring every technician we train is equipped to prevent these risks on site.

Why Dropped Objects Matter

Dropped objects may seem like a minor hazard, until you consider the forces involved. A small tool falling from just 10 metres can generate enough force to cause severe injury or even death. According to the SafetyOn 2023 Incident Data Report, dropped and fallen objects accounted for 74 incidents in 2023, with 43% classified as high potential - meaning they had the potential to cause life-changing harm.

These incidents most commonly occurred during routine maintenance, lifting operations and mechanical system work. Shockingly, 88% of these incidents happened within turbines, especially in the hub, blades and nacelle areas.

GWO’s Response: Updated Training Standards for 2025

In its official press release, GWO announced the release of improved safety measures across several key training modules, particularly Working at Height, Manual Handling and Basic Safety Training.

The updates include:

• A stronger emphasis on hand-tool tethering and equipment checks

• Scenario-based exercises simulating real-world hazards

• Updated risk assessment protocols

• A greater focus on human behaviour and safety culture

As described in their webinar overview, these changes are designed to reflect current risk realities and to prepare technicians more effectively for complex and high-risk environments.

What It Means for Training at Safer at Work

At Safer at Work, we are already implementing GWO’s updated standards into our GWO-accredited training programmes. Delegates now experience:

• Hands-on drop prevention techniques using real tools and site-relevant scenarios

• Simulated hazard environments for deeper engagement and risk awareness

• Expanded assessment criteria aligned with GWO’s new protocols

• Clear instruction on root causes of dropped objects and how to proactively avoid them

By embedding these practices into our courses, we are ensuring every technician leaves not just knowing what a dropped object is but knowing how to prevent one - actively shaping a safer, smarter wind industry.

Dropped Object Prevention: A Cultural Shift

These training updates aren’t just about compliance. They represent a larger cultural movement: making safety visible, behavioural and embedding these preventions in every stage of site work. With over 606 incidents recorded across the UK onshore wind sector in 2023 alone, the need for high-impact, practical safety training is greater than ever.

GWO’s leadership, supported by trainers like us at Safer at Work, are creating a shift where dropped object prevention becomes second nature — not just a footnote in a manual.

From Awareness to Action

Dropped objects are preventable and prevention starts with training. With GWO’s updated standards and Safer at Work’s commitment to real-world instruction, we’re raising the standard on what wind safety looks like.

Whether you're an employer, technician or safety leader, now is the time to act. Let’s protect lives from above - one course, one worker, one toolbox and one utility belt at a time.