Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Personal Injury Solicitors

HSE prosecutes two firms over death of wind turbine technician (18 December 2015)

Date: 18/12/2015
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, HSE prosecutes two firms over death of wind turbine technician

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has successfully prosecuted two major companies, after a representative of one of the companies – Siemens plc – was killed in a wind turbine.

On 16 September 2009, wind turbine technician Colin Sinclair, 27, was killed when he came into contact with the unguarded rotating shaft of a gearbox within a turbine at Causeymire wind farm in Scotland.

On the day of the incident, Colin Sinclair and another Siemens employee had escorted staff from RWE Innogy UK Limited to the top of wind turbine18, where the rotor blades are mounted.

At the top of the tower, an RWE engineer began the process of pitching the rotor blades into the off position before locking them off, to enable the Siemens technicians to carry out an inspection.

It was during this process that Colin Sinclair’s harness became entangled in the high-speed shaft coupling, causing him to be pulled in towards the shaft.

The emergency stop cord was pulled and the emergency services were called, but Mr Sinclair was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation into the incident found that the gearbox had been inadequately guarded since January 2009, exposing the rotating shafts.

On Thursday, 10 December 2015 at Tain Sheriff Court, Siemens Public Limited Company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £107,000.

RWE Innogy UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £45,000.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Niall Miller said:

“This death was easily preventable and involved a risk which is well known and appreciated throughout all industries.

“It is disappointing that this risk wasn’t addressed, despite the lack of guarding being known to those involved.

“This incident should serve as a reminder to employers of all sizes that failing to take simple precautions can have catastrophic consequences.”

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Accidents at Work Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those injured in accidents at work as a result of negligence on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation in the courts of England and Wales.

Personal injury claims for accidents at work have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury.

In cases where a loved one has lost their life as a result of an accident at work caused by negligence, Duncan Lewis offers sympathetic legal advice to bereaved families on how to make a no win no fee Fatal Injuries Claim for compensation.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Accidents at Work Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


For all Personal Injury related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.