When it comes to wind energy, safety isn't optional - it's everything.
At Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI), we're proud to announce the launch of our latest initiative designed to elevate safety standards across the wind industry: the GWO-Certified Control of Hazardous Energy (CoHE) training course. This program represents more than just another certification - it’s a step toward a safer future for wind turbine technicians, employers, and the industry as a whole.
As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, so too does the need for well-trained technicians who understand not just the mechanics of wind turbines but also the serious risks involved in their maintenance and repair. The launch of the CoHE course directly addresses one of the most critical and potentially deadly hazards facing workers today: the unintended release of hazardous energy during equipment servicing.
The CoHE course is a highly specialized safety training designed to prevent accidents caused by the unexpected startup of machinery or the release of stored energy, whether that energy is electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal.
At PCI, students receive hands-on instruction in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and energy isolation practices - critical skills that are essential for anyone working on or near powered equipment.
The goal is simple:
Equip technicians with the knowledge, judgment, and habits needed to protect themselves and others in potentially life-threatening scenarios.
"Training isn’t just about understanding procedures," says Trevor Burgin, Lead GWO Trainer at PCI. "It’s about building the mindset and discipline to act decisively in critical moments. Comprehensive training ensures that safety becomes second nature, ultimately preventing accidents in high-risk environments."
Hazardous energy incidents aren’t rare, and when they occur, the consequences can be devastating.
Real-world examples from the field drive home just how vital CoHE training is.
Pressure Fluid Injection Injuries:
One of the dangers addressed in PCI’s CoHE training involves pressure fluid injection injuries - a lesser-known but extremely dangerous hazard. These occur when high-pressure fluids, such as hydraulic oil or compressed air, are accidentally injected into the body through a seemingly minor puncture wound.
At first glance, the injury might appear small, but inside, the damage can be catastrophic, potentially leading to amputation or even death if not treated immediately.
Following Procedures Saves Lives:
Another powerful case study comes from a former safety manager who worked in an industrial plant. During an unexpected shutdown, one worker insisted on completing full LOTO procedures, even though supervisors pressured them to bypass safety protocols to save time.
Later, it was revealed that had the equipment been energized at that moment, the outcome would have been fatal. The worker’s training, discipline, and refusal to take shortcuts didn’t just save their own life - it likely prevented a tragedy impacting others as well.
These stories are sobering reminders: Safety protocols exist for a reason, and cutting corners can have irreversible consequences.
Another standout feature of PCI’s CoHE program is its convenience and real-world simulation environment.
Our Kansas City, MO campus is ideally situated just two miles from Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
This makes PCI one of the easiest and most accessible options for employers who want to send their teams for training, especially those coordinating safety certifications on tight timelines.
To make logistics even simpler, PCI offers:
Rather than practicing theory in a sterile classroom setting, students at PCI engage directly with the types of tools, systems, and environments they’ll be working with in the field.
At its core, PCI’s launch of the CoHE course reflects a broader commitment: raising the bar for workforce safety, industry standards, and technician preparedness.
Wind turbines are massive, complex machines that store significant amounts of energy - whether it's rotational energy in the blades, hydraulic pressure in braking systems, or electrical energy in control panels.
Failing to properly control these energies during maintenance can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Yet even as technology advances, one constant remains: the human factor is critical.
Training programs like CoHE ensure that technicians:
When workers are trained thoroughly and thoughtfully, safety improves for everyone, from frontline technicians to entire project teams.
With the launch of the CoHE course, PCI continues to fulfill its mission of empowering students through hands-on, high-quality education.
The CoHE certification is an important addition to the skillsets PCI students already develop through programs like:
For employers, hiring graduates who have completed a GWO-Certified CoHE course means bringing on team members who understand and value safety from Day 1.
For students, earning a CoHE certification opens doors to new career opportunities and sends a clear signal to employers:
"I'm trained. I'm serious. I'm prepared to make safety a priority."
Pinnacle Career Institute is an accredited trade school based in Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in hands-on career training for the skilled trades.
Our programs combine flexible online learning with on-campus intensive experiences, offering students the best of both worlds: the convenience of online coursework and the critical hands-on practice needed for real-world success.
Programs include:
PCI’s curriculum is built around what industry employers demand - practical skills, workplace readiness, and a relentless commitment to safety and quality.
Whether you’re launching a new career or advancing an existing one, PCI provides the tools, training, and support to help you reach your goals.
The launch of the GWO-Certified Control of Hazardous Energy (CoHE) course at Pinnacle Career Institute marks an exciting milestone - not just for PCI, but for the wind energy sector at large.
Through rigorous, real-world training, PCI is helping technicians:
In an industry where every decision matters, safety starts with education, and PCI is proud to lead the way.