Renewable Training Center - RTC

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Renewable Training Center - RTC Trained for safety. Respected for higher standards. Additionally, we will offer some of our training and courses on-site at wind and solar farms across the US.

Our training facility, through the expertise of our experienced trainers and in conjunction with our partners, will offer the following training:

• GWO Certified Trainings
o GWO BST (basic safety training)
o GWO ART (advanced rescue training)
o GWO BTT (basic technical training)
• NFPA 70 E, hands on
• First Aid/CPR/AED (HSI certified)
• Work at Heights
• Manual Handling
• Fire Awareness
• LOTO

We provide custom training around the needs/requirements of our customers.

The Dangers of Taking ShortcutsWe take shortcuts because we can have the “it will never happen to me” mindset with many ...
09/21/2026

The Dangers of Taking Shortcuts

We take shortcuts because we can have the “it will never happen to me” mindset with many of the tasks we do often or daily. Just like when we take shortcuts towards safety procedures - most times, the acrobat stays on the line, never falls, and never needs the safety net. However, one day he does fall, but since the net is compromised, it is not there to save him. Take every safeguard seriously. Every safeguard is one more strong point in our net that a potential incident must break through to cause an injury.

Importance of Lockout/Tagout Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is one of the most critical safety procedures in any workplace where ...
09/14/2026

Importance of Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is one of the most critical safety procedures in any workplace where technicians work around or maintain equipment. It ensures that the equipment or electrical circuit is properly shut off and cannot be restarted or energized until maintenance or repairs are completed. By following this system, you are protected from unexpected energy releases that could lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Understanding and applying LOTO correctly and performing the verification process is not only a requirement but also a fundamental part of maintaining a safe work environment.

The Purpose of Lockout/Tagout

The primary purpose of LOTO is to prevent accidents caused by the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy. Often times there can stored energy in systems such as:
• In electrical circuits with having residual voltage
• In hydraulic systems with stored pressure
• In pneumatic systems with residual compressed air
• In mechanical systems with the momentum of moving parts
If this energy is not properly controlled and verified upon installing your LOTO, there can be the risk of being shocked, crushed, burned, or otherwise injured. By using locks and tags, you can physically secure equipment in an “off” position and clearly communicate that it should not be operated.

Results of Improper Lockout/Tagout

If LOTO is not properly applied, the consequences can be severe and even life-threatening. Without proper isolation of equipment from its energy source, you are at risk of:
• Accidental startups
• Electrical shocks and Arc Flashes
• Crushing injuries
• Burns

Improper or skipped steps on LOTO can also damage equipment, leading to costly repairs and downtime. Beyond the physical risks, failure to follow Lockout/Tagout procedures may result in a loss of trust in workplace safety practices. Ultimately, neglecting LOTO not only endangers individual employees but also puts the entire team and company at risk.

Taking the Initiative Safety and safe work practices on the job is everyone’s responsibility. While policies, procedures...
09/08/2026

Taking the Initiative

Safety and safe work practices on the job is everyone’s responsibility. While policies, procedures, and training provide the foundation, it is individual initiative that truly prevents incidents. Taking the initiative when it comes to safety means acting before something becomes an issue. It means recognizing hazards, speaking up, and making corrections if necessary, even when no one is watching.

Examples of Taking Initiative

Too often, workplace accidents happen because someone assumed “it’s not my job” or “someone else will take care of it.” Taking initiative means stepping outside that mindset. If you see a tripping hazard, clean it up or move the objects to a more suitable location. If you notice damaged equipment, tag it out and report it. If a coworker is about to take a shortcut that could lead to injury or increase the chance, have the courage to speak up. Small proactive actions can prevent serious injuries or even fatalities.

Proactive Approach to Initiative

Taking the initiative when it comes to safety also means preparing yourself before starting work. Review the job plan, understand the risks, inspect your tools and PPE, and ask questions if something is unclear. Initiative includes planning ahead rather than reacting after something goes wrong. Employees who consistently take initiative help create a culture where safety is valued and expected and not just optional.

How to Take the Initiative at Work

Here are a few practical ways to take initiative when it comes to safety:
• Conduct a quick personal hazard assessment before starting any task
• Stop and correct unsafe conditions immediately
• Report near misses and unsafe behaviors
• Volunteer suggestions to improve procedures
• Encourage crew members to follow safe work practices
• Lead by example by wearing PPE and following procedures every time

Rationalizing Unsafe Choices Making the decision to follow every single safety rule or procedure does not come naturally...
08/31/2026

Rationalizing Unsafe Choices

Making the decision to follow every single safety rule or procedure does not come naturally to us at times. We constantly have to work towards making the right decisions every single day. Many times, individuals find ways to rationalize not working safely. It is important for everyone to recognize this error trap and address it when it arises to prevent injuries.

Why We Rationalize Unsafe Choices

For the most part, we all know what the right choice is when it comes to safety during a specific work task. Safety training, policies, procedures, labels, etc., all communicate what needs to be done in order to mitigate hazards and work safely. The problem is, there are many factors that affect whether or not we want to make the right decisions at a given moment. A few of these factors include:
• Time pressure
• Lack of supervision around
• Lack of enforcement of rules
• Energy levels
• Mood
Individuals facing one or more of these factors will use them to rationalize to themselves why a certain safety rule does not need to be followed. For example, “I forgot to attach my SRK to my harness, but it will only take a minute to go up and right back down, so I will be fine.” Or “Nobody is paying attention anyway, I’m not going to wear my gloves to remove these bolts.” We have all rationalized poor choices- whether it was choosing not to wear fall protection or rationalizing hitting snooze seven times before getting out of bed.

The Mistake of “It’s the Normal Thing to Do”

When there are other people around who are not making the right choices when it comes to safety, it becomes the “normal” thing to do despite not being the correct thing to do. When the norm is working unsafe, it makes it difficult for even the individuals who want to work safely to do so. Do not rely on a supervisor or safety personnel to tell you to do the right thing. Make the choice to do what is right despite what others may be doing.

Tips on How to be PresentThere are many reasons why we may not be present at any given moment. As individuals, we vary g...
08/24/2026

Tips on How to be Present

There are many reasons why we may not be present at any given moment. As individuals, we vary greatly, but a few quick tips may help you be more in the moment the next time you find your mind wandering.
• Take note of how well you are focusing and where your mind is. From there, make the conscious choice to improve your focus and attention if needed.
• When you are part of a discussion or receiving directions, make sure that you are actively listening to the person speaking. One way to become a better listener is to treat the information as something you are going to have to teach a coworker. Receiving information with the expectation that you will be responsible for passing it on can help ensure that you actively listen to the person speaking.
• Eliminate distractions when possible from the physical work area as they can have a large impact on your ability to fully pay attention to what you are doing at any given moment at work. Eliminating distractions can make all the difference in whether you are able to focus fully on the task at hand.
• Often times, personal issues may cause our minds to not be fully present in our work. Be cognizant of these issues and try to actively settle them as they arise to ensure that you have as clear a mind as possible while at work.

Three-Way Communication Communication is critical to working safely and efficiently. While the process of verbal communi...
08/18/2026

Three-Way Communication

Communication is critical to working safely and efficiently. While the process of verbal communication seems straight forward there are many issues to consider. This safety talk focuses on the issues revolving around verbal communication and using a best practice called three-way communication to improve communication between employees during work tasks.

When we have a bring your children to work day, we celebrate as a family.
08/10/2026

When we have a bring your children to work day, we celebrate as a family.

Hand Safety and Injury Prevention We use our hands for virtually every task we do at work, and because of this fact, the...
08/10/2026

Hand Safety and Injury Prevention

We use our hands for virtually every task we do at work, and because of this fact, they are commonly injured on the job. Keeping our hands and fingers out of harm’s way at work is critical. A serious injury to an individual’s hands or fingers results in a huge negative impact on their ability to work and overall quality of life.

Ladders are an essential tool used on many job sites in this industry across the United States. Because of their widespr...
08/03/2026

Ladders are an essential tool used on many job sites in this industry across the United States. Because of their widespread use and the inherent danger of working at heights, they are responsible for a significant number of injuries while on the job. Understanding the hazards of using a ladder, following the necessary safe work practices, and avoiding complacency can be a lifesaver.

The Heat Index As temperatures rise during the summer months, heat-related illness becomes a serious workplace hazard. T...
07/27/2026

The Heat Index

As temperatures rise during the summer months, heat-related illness becomes a serious workplace hazard. The heat index is an important tool for understanding how hot it actually feels when temperature and humidity are combined. High humidity makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself through sweating, which can cause the body temperature to rise more quickly. When spending extended periods outdoors or in hot environments you should pay attention to heat index conditions and take appropriate precautions.

Heat Index Chart

The presence of relative humidity in an already high temperature environment can create a dangerous combination. It is important to realize the effect that the heat index can have on your ability to work safely. Below is a handy heat index chart provided by the National Weather Service to determine what the temperature actually is when working in hot and humid environments and the risk associated with it.

Best Practices to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Staying properly hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent heat-related illness. Drink water regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. During extended periods of heavy sweating, electrolyte replacement may also be appropriate. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration. It is also important to take rest breaks in shaded, air-conditioned, or otherwise cool areas when possible.

Key Points of Working Safe in Hot Environments

• Drink water regularly – don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
• Take breaks as necessary in shaded or air-conditioned areas if possible.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Monitor yourself and coworkers for signs of heat illness.
• Report any heat-related illness symptoms immediately.

Address

Saint Ansgar, IA

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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