Two global companies, Siemens Windpower A/S (SWP) and Fluor Ltd, have been sentenced following the death of a worker who was crushed when a 2.11 tonne load fell on him during loading operations of wind turbine blades onto a sea barge. Another worker suffered life changing injuries.
The incident happened when a team of engineers were loading the blades for delivery to Greater Gabbard, off the Suffolk coast, on 21 May 2010. During the loading of wind turbine components at Pakeston Quay, Harwich, part of the blade transport arrangement fell off, crushing and fatally injuring one worker and seriously injuring another.
The injured man, Frank Kroeger, was airlifted to Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge where he was resuscitated twice. He suffered a ruptured spleen, lacerations to his liver, a collapsed lung collapsing, multiple rib fractures on his left side, and significant crush injuries to his right arm and hand, with nerve damage to his thumb and fingers.
His injuries were life-changing and required almost three weeks in hospital in the UK, followed by a long period of rehabilitation and treatment near his home in Germany.
The family of the fatally-injured man have asked that his name not be released.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard both workers were employed by SWP but were working for Fluor Ltd, the principal contractor.
After an investigation into the incident, safety failings were identified, which included:
Following a four-week trial in July, prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Fluor Ltd was found guilty of breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and on 2 October was ordered to pay £275,000 in fines and £271,048 costs.
Siemens Windpower A/S (SWP) were charged with the same offence and also a Section 2 (1) breach of the same act, but pleaded guilty at an earlier stage. On 2 October the company was ordered to pay £375,000 in fines with costs of £105,355.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Julie Rayner said: “This incident could easily have been avoided had suitable systems and procedures been in place to ensure that all loads were properly connected whilst being lifted.
“Had the right questions been asked when the lift was being planned and had the bolt and two brackets holding the blade and frame together been checked before they were lifted, the death and serious injury of two workers could have been prevented.
“This case clearly highlights the need to ensure that relevant information is considered when lift plans are produced to ensure that all of the relevant risks are considered.”
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