Unite Raises Concerns Over Safety Of Windfarms

Concerns have been raised by union Unite over the safety of windfarms after two workers were killed last month in Scotland.

The first victim, 37-year-old Antonio Linares, was killed when he fell at Scottish Power's Kilgallioch Windfarm site in South Ayrshire on 15 March. Mr Linares was working for contractor Gamesa at the time.

Elsewhere, a Spanish worker died while undertaking maintenance on a turbine at Scottish Power's Whitelee Windfarm in East Renfrewshire on Wednesday, 29 March.


Unite regional co-ordinating officer, Steve Dillon, said "swift action" was needed to understand how and why these accidents took place, as well as to ensure there are no similar incidents in the future.

"These two deaths are terrible tragedies and our thoughts go to the families of the two victims," he 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 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."

(LM/MH)