Unite, the largest union for construction workers, has called for urgent
action to improve safety on windfarms after two workers were killed in a
fortnight in Scotland.
The first tragedy occurred on March 15 when Antonio Linares a 37 year old
Portuguese worker, was killed in a fall at Scottish Power’s Kilgallioch
Windfarm in South Ayrshire. Mr Linares was working for contractor Gamesa.
The most recent tragedy occurred last Wednesday (March 29) when a Spanish
worker fell to his death while undertaking maintenance on a turbine at
Scottish Power’s Whitelee Windfarm in East Renfrewshire.
Unite, regional co-ordinating officer, Steve Dillon, said: “These two
deaths are terrible tragedies and our thoughts go to the families of the
two victims.
“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 here had
occurred in more populous areas.
“Swift action needs to be taken to understand how and why these accidents
occurred and to ensure that there are not similar fatal accidents in the
future.
“The Health and Safety Executive needs to summon Scottish Power, and
specialist contractors together to learn the lessons and dramatically
improve safety in this sector.”
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