A tragic incident has occurred at a wind farm in regional Victoria, where a man tragically lost his life after being crushed by a turbine blade during work. This incident has raised serious safety concerns, particularly as union representatives reported that these issues were discussed in a meeting just two weeks prior.
The victim, a 36-year-old installation technician from the area, was working at the Golden Plains wind farm, located on Bells Road in Rokewood, approximately 133 kilometers west of Melbourne and 69 kilometers northwest of Geelong. According to Victoria Police, emergency responders attempted to revive him at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The accident took place while a turbine blade, which was stored on the ground, was being readied for installation. Vestas, the Danish company responsible for the first phase of the project, expressed deep sorrow for the loss, emphasizing their commitment to workplace safety. Danny Nielsen, Vestas' senior vice president for Australia and New Zealand, stated that the site has been shut down and that they are collaborating with authorities—including the police and WorkSafe Victoria—to investigate the circumstances and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
Footage from the scene showed three wind turbines, with two secured by a metal structure. The third blade appeared to have fallen, with a crumpled ladder nearby, suggesting a chaotic situation during the accident.
The Australian Workers' Union (AWU) has voiced strong concerns regarding the safety conditions at the site. Ronnie Hayden, the AWU's state secretary, emphasized that the tragic event could have been avoided. He pointed out that workers were under significant pressure due to project delays, which he claimed led to dangerous practices being employed by non-union contractors. The union also alleged a troubling pattern of insufficient supervision and gaps in safety protocols at the worksite, calling for an investigation into potential industrial manslaughter.
Hayden asserted, “This is yet another worker killed on a Victorian worksite that demands answers.” He criticized WorkSafe and the Victorian Government for their inaction and called for urgent improvements in site safety and stricter enforcement of regulations. Just weeks before the incident, union delegates had met with Vestas management to express serious safety concerns, warning that it was merely a matter of luck that no fatalities had occurred until now.
Emergency services, including ambulances, fire trucks, and police, responded promptly to the scene, where workers, visibly shaken, gathered nearby. Aerial images depicted a large section of the area cordoned off by police tape, indicating the gravity of the situation.
The wind turbine in question was still under construction, with the top being installed over the weekend and blades expected to be attached in the following days. Wind turbine blades can weigh as much as 22 tonnes, underscoring the potential dangers involved in their handling.
While investigations are ongoing, the wind farm—projected to become the largest in Australia—has been temporarily closed, and access roads have been restricted by police.
Zainab Y.
Also on site :