Unite, the largest union for construction workers in the UK, has called for urgent action to improve workers’ welfare and safety on windfarms after two workers died in a fortnight in recent months.
The first tragedy occurred on March 15 when Antonio Linares a 37 year old Portuguese worker, was killed from a fall at Scottish Power’s Kilgallioch Windfarm in South Ayrshire. Mr Linares was working for contractor Gamesa.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Wednesday 29 March. A Spanish worker fell from 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 improve workers’ safety and wellbeing and to understand how these incidents occurred. The Health and Safety Executive needs to bring together all concerned to learn the lessons and improve safety and welfare in this sector.”
