GWO Working at Heights (WAH)

The GWO – Working at Heights course is an intensive two-day training designed to prepare participants to work safely at height within the wind turbine industry. As turbine towers continue to increase in height, the ability to use fall protection systems and perform rescue procedures is essential. This hands-on course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical training on working safely, using fall protection equipment, and carrying out rescue operations. Upon successful completion, participants receive an internationally recognized GWO certificate, valid for 2 years.

Course duration: 2 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 639,50 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

GWO – Werken op Hoogte

Introduction
Working at height is a core aspect of the wind energy industry. The GWO – Working at Heights course focuses on preventing falls and increasing personal safety awareness for technicians and maintenance crews working at significant heights. The training combines classroom sessions with realistic hands-on exercises in a controlled environment, ensuring participants gain both knowledge and confidence.

The course complies with the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) standard and is suitable for both new and experienced personnel working in or around wind turbines.

Objective
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • work safely at height in wind turbine environments;

  • properly use and inspect personal fall protection equipment;

  • identify and minimize fall hazards;

  • perform basic rescue operations;

  • apply safety procedures in accordance with GWO guidelines.

Target Group
Personnel working in the wind energy industry, such as technicians, maintenance engineers, and installers who perform tasks at height.

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Practical info

Entry Requirements
Participants must:

  • be physically fit to complete all practical exercises;

  • have a maximum body weight of 120 kg (due to PPE restrictions);

  • disclose any medication use prior to the course (if limiting, booking will be cancelled free of charge);

  • hold a valid Winda ID (required for GWO registration).

Course Content
The Working at Heights course includes theoretical instruction and practical exercises covering:

  • introduction to working at height;

  • relevant legislation and safety standards;

  • use and inspection of harnesses and fall arrest systems;

  • fall arrest lines, work positioning, and backup systems;

  • workplace hazards and risk assessment;

  • emergency and rescue procedures;

  • practical rescue operations at height.

Certification & Validity
Upon successful completion, participants receive a GWO Working at Heights certificate, registered in the WINDA system of the Global Wind Organisation.
The certificate is valid for 2 years, after which a 1-day refresher course must be completed.

Course Duration
Basic course: 2 consecutive days
Refresher course: 1 day

Schedule
08:30 – 17:00

Group Size
Minimum 4, maximum 12 participants

Winda Registration
All participants must register in WINDA, the GWO’s international certification database.
After registration, participants receive a Winda ID, which must be provided upon booking.
After certification, DRTC will link the participant’s certificate to their personal WINDA account.

Registration: https://winda.globalwindsafety.org/

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Day 1 - Working safely at height

The first day focuses on safe work and rescue at height. Participants learn to recognise fall hazards, inspect PPE and correctly use fall arrest systems. Through realistic exercises, they practise accessing ladders and platforms, connecting safely and performing rescues. Teamwork, clear communication and personal responsibility are emphasised throughout the day.

Day 3 - Practical application and rescue operations

The final day integrates all skills in realistic rescue and emergency scenarios. Participants perform rescues, administer first aid and work together in complex situations that test leadership and coordination. The course concludes with evaluation and individual feedback to reinforce professional safety behaviour.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Working safely at height
  • Day 3 - Practical application and rescue operations

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Working at Height Tower

Safe working at height training in accordance with GWO standards

Working at Height Tower

Training in safe working, rescue, and evacuation at height in accordance with GWO standards.

Safe working at height training in accordance with GWO standards

Working at Height Tower

The Working at Height Tower has been specifically designed for training participants in safe working, rescue, and evacuation techniques at height. The tower is widely used for GWO (Global Wind Organisation) courses, such as Working at Heights, and also provides training opportunities for offshore, maritime, and industrial scenarios.

What makes this tower unique is its versatility: participants can practice fall protection, climbing and descent techniques, as well as rescue and evacuation procedures. With multiple platforms and training stations, the tower is suitable for both basic and advanced levels.

Who is it for?

The Working at Height Tower is used by wind industry teams, offshore and maritime personnel, industrial technicians, and emergency responders who need to work safely at height or on elevated installations.

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What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Use personal fall protection equipment correctly (harness, lines, and anchor points)

  • Apply climbing techniques and work safely at height

  • Perform rescue and evacuation of colleagues in emergency situations

  • Operate lifting and descent systems

  • Follow emergency procedures in case of a fall incident

  • Work together and communicate effectively during height-related operations

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and fully aligned with the international standards of the Global Wind Organisation (GWO).

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to train according to GWO standards or follow customized height safety scenarios?
Contact us — we’ll develop a program tailored to your sector and safety objectives.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor

Let them convince you

Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For (future) wind technicians, HSE staff, and support personnel working onshore or offshore in the wind energy industry.

We offer the full Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, and Sea Survival. Refresher courses and Enhanced First Aid are also available.

GWO certificates are valid for 24 months. Be sure to complete your refresher course before expiry.

Basic fitness is required. Depending on your employer’s policy, a maritime or offshore medical examination may be mandatory.

Bring valid identification, any required medical certificate, sports or swimwear, and a towel for pool sessions. All PPE and safety equipment are provided by DRTC.

Courses are conducted in Dutch or English. We can provide support for participants with dyslexia or reading difficulties; please inform us in advance.

At our own training locations or, where permitted, in-company.

You will receive your certificate immediately at the end of the training. We will upload your certification details to the WINDA database.

Depending on the module, you may need to retake the basic or an additional module. Contact us for the correct procedure. Call us at +31 118 463 382 or send an email to drtc@drtc.nl

Yes, we offer refresher modules for many of our courses. The validity of certificates depends on the standard and course.

For some courses, you can choose VAT exemption. This means the training will be invoiced without 21% VAT. The exemption applies only to recognised vocational training programmes that fall under official supervision by organisations such as ILT, OPITO, GWO, or NOGEPA.

Choose VAT exemption if you are taking the course for professional purposes or as a private individual without VAT deduction rights.
Choose including VAT if you are booking on behalf of a company that can reclaim VAT from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

Your invoice will then state:
“Exempt from VAT under Article 11, paragraph 1, section o of the Dutch VAT Act 1968.”

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Yes, we can. You can request this when booking or contact us by email or phone. We will arrange a suitable hotel and package for your stay.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.