Myths about Noise, Health, & Safety
Wind turbines are machines that spin in the wind and generate electricity atop tall towers. As such, the blades, transmission, and generator emit noise when the turbine is operating. Because modern wind turbines are relatively new on the landscape, a veritable cottage industry has arisen attributing a panoply of ills to wind turbines–even when they are not operating. Consequently, there are numerous studies on the health effects of the noise from wind turbines. This section includes links to these studies and to reports on the general environmental impacts and benefits of wind energy.
Man dies after being crushed by turbine blade at Australia’s biggest wind project
By
External Source
A worker has died after being crushed by a turbine blade at Australia’s biggest wind project, the Golden Plains wind farm in Victoria, with emergency services called to the site at Rokewood just after 8am on Monday. Police confirmed the man was working at the wind farm on Bells Road when he was crushed beneath a “fan blade” shortly after 8am. First responders attempted to revive the man, but he was declared dead at the scene.
Worker dies in Tarifa after being trapped in a wind turbine
By
External Source
A worker lost his life on Friday, 28 July, in Tarifa (Cadiz) after being trapped in a wind turbine, according to the emergency services. The event occurred at around midday, when the 112 emergency telephone operators handled a call from a worker who was trapped in the hub (the part of the machine where a shaft is supported and rotates) of a turbine, at a height of 130 metres. The turbine was located at kilometre 90 of the N-340. Emergency services, including a helicopter ambulance, the Guardia CIvil, fire brigade and police were deployed to the scene. The health services on the scene were only able to confirm the death of the worker. No further information has been released on how this incident occurred.
Safety improving at UK onshore wind farms despite ‘tragic’ death – report
By
External Source
The number of safety-related incidents at onshore wind farms in the UK decreased in 2022, according to a new report that nonetheless acknowledged the “tragic” death of a worker at a wind farm construction site.
Wind farm noise not harmful to health: New study finds no evidence of wind turbine syndrome
By
Sophie Vorrath
Once again another study confirms there are no health impacts from “infrasound.”
Call for warning systems after third sea eagle killed by wind turbine
By
Paul Gipe
Another sea eagle which had been fitted with a GPS tracking device as part of a monitoring programme has died after being hit by the blade of a wind turbine in Flevoland, nature journal Nature Today reports. Read more at DutchNews.nl:
Windfarm firm charged over landslide death
By
Paul Deering
A company director has been returned for trial in relation to charges arising out of the death of a worker who was killed in a windfarm landslide.
