We all know that there is an urgent need for greener energy on a global basis. However, in the drive to achieve this, there is a human cost which may not be getting the recognition it needs.
Tragically, two wind turbine technicians recently died within the space of two weeks.
Portuguese worker Antonio Linares, 37, fell to his death inside a turbine that was being built at SPR’s Kilgallioch onshore windfarm in South Ayrshire. Mr Linares’ employer, a wind turbine manufacturer, the Scottish police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating what happened.
Two weeks later on 29 March, a 32-year-old Spanish worker was killed when he fell from a wind turbine in East Renfrewshire.
These incidents have led to calls from the Unite Union for urgent action to improve workers’ welfare and safety on windfarms. Unite regional co-ordinating officer Steve Dillon, said: “In recent years there have been far too many deaths and injuries involving windfarms. These installations are usually in remote locations and there is a concern that these tragedies have not received the same focus if they had occurred in more populous areas.
Meanwhile The deputy chief executive of trade association RenewableUK, Maf Smith, said in a statement: “All wind turbine manufacturers, installers and owners regard health, safety and wellbeing as the very highest priorities, and work diligently to ensure that they meet extremely rigorous health and safety standards.
“In these rare but tragic circumstances it’s important to ensure that our industry learns from incidents and implements any lessons promptly. A full investigation is currently under way.”
Hopefully, all parties will co-operate to ensure that lessons are learned and acted on urgently.
Remember, if you employ lone workers who operate in remote locations or have to enter places where there is a perceived risk to personal safety, then you have a duty of care towards them in accordance with UK legislation.
Contact Isosure Ltd if you need any guidance regarding your Health & Safety responsibilities as an employer.
Steve Newton
Director, Isosure Ltd
Lancashire Based Health & Safety Consultancy and supplier of Online Training
