Two energy firms have been fined a total of £152,000 for failing to prevent the death of a Caithness man while he was working inside a 200ft wind turbine.
The action was taken against Siemens and RWE Innogy UK over the death in September 2009 of 27-year-old Colin Sinclair at Causeymire windfarm.
Tain Sheriff Court had heard that Mr Sinclair was one of two representatives of Siemens, along with two engineers from RWE, carrying out an end of warranty inspection at the windfarm.
Mr Sinclair’s harness became entangled, causing him to be pulled in towards the shaft. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the gearbox had been inadequately guarded since January 2009, exposing the rotating shafts.
Siemens pleaded guilty to breaching a section of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and was fined £107,000.
RWE Innogy UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching a different section of the Act, and was fined £45,000.
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.”
A Siemens spokesman said: “Siemens PLC sincerely regret the death of our employee Colin Sinclair. We have pleaded guilty to failing to discharge a duty under section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and we accept the judgement of the court.”
A spokesman from RWE Innogy UK said: “RWE Innogy UK deeply regrets the fatal accident involving Colin Sinclair at Causeymire windfarm on the 16 September 2009. We continue to offer our sincere condolences to Colin’s family.
“Following the lengthy and detailed investigation by the authorities in which we collaborated fully, we accept the findings.”