Wind Farm Accidents in Texas: High Voltage & Turbine Falls

Wind farms are crucial for generating clean energy, but the jobs at these sites can be hazardous. Workers can face various types of risks that may result in serious injuries. It’s important for everyone to understand these dangers, know what kinds of injuries can happen, and learn how to get the right legal help if something goes wrong. If you were injured in a wind farm accident, talk to a skilled Texas industrial accident attorney from The Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale, P.C. today. 

Common Wind Farm Worker Injuries

Wind farm work is physically demanding and can lead to a lot of different injuries. One of the biggest dangers, for example, is falling from a height. If a worker falls off a turbine or from another part of the installation, they could sustain serious injuries like damage to their spinal cord, head injuries, or multiple broken bones. Even with strong safety protocols and proper protection equipment, falls are still a massive risk because wind farm work is performed way above ground level.

Machine-related injuries are also common because workers have to deal with big, powerful equipment in order to keep the turbines running. These injuries can involve crushed bones, traumatic amputations, and severe lacerations. Electrical systems, gears, and other moving parts are especially dangerous, and the risk becomes even higher if the machines are not cared for properly or if safety rules are not followed. Performing the same movements over and over again can also cause Repetitive Stress Injuries to the joints and muscles.  

Burn injuries and electrical shocks are another grave hazard for wind turbine workers. Powerful electrical systems work to move and convert energy, and, should a problem arise or a situation be handled incorrectly, workers could be seriously injured. Technicians need to stay alert and be properly trained, or they could sustain life-threatening shock or burn injuries.  

Safety Protocols and Preventive Measures

In order to ameliorate these hazards, wind farm companies must abide by stringent safety regulations and properly train their workers. Routine safety drills and ongoing training pertaining to new safety methods and equipment are also essential. Workers need to have the right safety gear, like harnesses, gloves, helmets, and protective eyewear. It’s also important for all equipment and machinery to be regularly serviced and inspected so they remain in good working order.

Having transparent emergency procedures is important as well. Although wind farms are usually situated in the middle of nowhere, workers still need to have quick access to medical aid in the event of an accident. This includes having trained medics and medical equipment on-site, and having clear instructions for evacuation for anyone needing immediate medical transport.  

Legal Curatives for Injured Wind Farm Workers

If a wind farm worker is injured, they can file a workers’ comp claim to help pay for their medical treatment and replace lost wages. If the injury happened because someone failed to train them properly, didn’t repair equipment, or didn’t provide the right safety gear, the worker may also be able to file additional claims to receive more compensation.

Injured workers should talk to a Texas industrial accident lawyer right away. The lawyer can explain each step of the claims process and help make sure the worker gets all the money and benefits they should. A good lawyer also helps push for better safety rules, so accidents like this are less likely to happen again.

Discuss Your Case With a Texas Industrial Accident Attorney

The wind energy industry is growing, which is good news for clean power, but it doesn’t make worker safety any less important. By understanding common injuries and how they occur, implementing strong safety regulations, and making sure workers have solid legal protections, the industry can keep its workers safe while it produces clean energy.  

Anyone affected by an industrial accident should understand their legal rights and take action quickly to protect them. Our Texas industrial accident attorneys have a wealth of experience handling industrial and plant injury cases, including serious accidents and wrongful death caused by equipment failures. To schedule a confidential legal consultation with a member of The Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale, P.C., give us a call at (833) 712-4472, or fill out the simple contact form on our website.