Wind farm death was preventable: AWU

AFTER a Golden Plains Wind Farm installation technician was killed at work in Rokewood last week, members of the Australian Workers Union have expressed anger and frustration.

AWU Victoria state secretary Ronnie Hayden said the incident where the 36-year-old subcontractor was crushed by a turbine blade was preventable, and that members of the union had concerns about worker safety due to “project delays” and “inadequate supervision.”

“Just two weeks ago, union delegates from three different unions met with Vestas management to raise serious safety concerns, telling them it was only dumb luck that nobody had been killed on site yet,” he said.

“This is yet another worker killed on a Victorian worksite that demands answers. WorkSafe and the Victorian Government cannot continue to stand by while workers die.

“We need more than just investigations and reports, we need immediate action on site safety and stronger enforcement of regulations.

“This is not just another statistic, this is a worker who went to work and never came home.

“When bosses cut corners on safety and workers die, they belong behind bars, it’s that simple.”

WorkSafe investigators, technical experts and renewable energies construction inspectors have been investigating the accident.

“A number of blades were at ground level being prepared for a lift when one of them dislodged from a supporting platform and struck the 36-year-old man just after 8am,” a statement from WorkSafe said.

Vestas Australia and New Zealand country head Danny Nielsen said he was “devastated” for the colleagues and loved ones of the killed technician.

“Vestas… will be doing everything it can to support them during this terrible time as they grieve the loss of a cherished loved one and team member,” he said.

“With workplace safety as our number one priority, the site has been closed and we are working closely with the authorities, including the Police and Worksafe Victoria, to investigate what happened and work with the project partners to take steps to prevent it recurring in the future.”

WestWind Energy managing director Tobi Geiger said his thoughts were with the late worker’s family.

“WestWind was the original developer of the project,” he said. “The safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, landholders and neighbours are the utmost priority for WestWind and all partners in this project.

“We are also thinking of the other workers who witnessed the accident, and the local community, who will feel this deeply.”

Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur said she visited the wind farm area earlier this month and heard concerns from local residents around safety.

“I am now further aware of union allegations about previous warnings made to the site developers, as well as suggestions that project delays may be pressuring contractors,” she said.

“It is imperative that WorkSafe now conduct a rapid and thorough investigation to provide much-needed answers for those facing this loss and to ensure that every possible measure is taken to prevent future accidents.

“WorkSafe was already investigating the wind farm site following repeated turbine failures, which resulted in serrated blade edges being shed across the surrounding areas.

“I sincerely hope that the company involved will provide full cooperation to allow for a comprehensive top-to-bottom investigation into the safety of their project in both construction and operation.

“In Parliament, I urged the Minister for WorkSafe to demand this be a thorough and transparent inquiry and to extend it beyond this tragic incident to examine construction practices in the wind farm industry.

“Every effort must be made to prevent further tragedies like this one.”