Wind farm where worker was killed allegedly failed to implement proper safety precautions
A Victorian wind farm where a worker was crushed to death allegedly failed to implement proper safety precautions, alarming leaked documents have revealed.
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A Victorian wind farm where a worker was crushed to death allegedly failed to implement proper safety precautions, leaked documents have revealed.
Alarming files, obtained by the Sunday Herald Sun, show safety concerns were present at the Golden Plains Windfarm the day construction worker Jess Patience, 36, was killed.
An urgent improvement notice, issued by WorkSafe 10 days after Mr Patience’s death, alleged that there was a “risk to employee health and safety from wind turbine blades falling from their support stand”.
It’s understood several safety improvement notices have been issued since the incident and that multiple duty holders are now under investigation.
A restricted document issued by project builder Vestas, also obtained by the Sunday Herald Sun, shows initial assessments found the turbine had not been secured properly when it fell and crushed Mr Patience.
“Post incident observations reveal that one of the four securing devices had not been removed from the tip clamp,” it reads.
“Initial assessment suggests, that when the top section of the blade clamp was lifted it remained connected to the bottom section of the blade clamp, which resulted in an event where the blade impacted a worker.”
The assessment was reaffirmed by WorkSafe in a safety alert issued last week.
One worker said the mood at the work site was “apprehensive”.
He said work in the area was running at a rapid pace and he believed it was well ahead of schedule.
“If everything was done by the book, we wouldn’t be on track,” the worker said.
He said people were reluctant to return to their jobs after last month’s tragic events.
Emergency services raced to the trouble-plagued wind farm on November 11 after Mr Patience was crushed by a turbine.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death sparked widespread anger among union officials who said “serious safety concerns” had been raised with Vestas management before the incident.
A GoFundMe page set up to “honour his memory and support his family during this difficult time” has raised more than $140,000.
Mr Patience’s death came just weeks after another WorkSafe investigation was launched at the site after serrated edges flew off turbines, landing in neighbouring farm land.
And just one month after Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio praised the opening of the renewable energy project, which is Australia’s biggest wind farm, calling it a “remarkable and truly inspiring” achievement.
A Vestas spokesman said it was working closely with WorkSafe Victoria to ensure “all relevant safety processes are in place”.
“This is reflected in WorkSafe Victoria’s safety alert issued on 6 December 2024, which outlines ways to minimise risks of lifting loads with cranes,” he said.
The spokesman said the “grief of this tragedy is still felt across our workforce” and support, welfare and care services was available to all staff.
“Out of respect for the individual and his family, and given investigations continue with both Victorian Police and WorkSafe Victoria, it would be inappropriate and premature to speculate on the outcome,” he said.
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