Crane contractor worker dies in incident at Squadron’s Clarke Creek wind project

A man employed by a crane contractor died at Squadron Energy’s Clarke Creek wind project site in central Queensland, on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the property around 11.35am on July 2 following the non-suspicious death of a 27-year-old man, Queensland Police say.

Project owner Squadron Energy has confirmed a fatal incident occurred at the under-construction wind farm, and that all work on the site has stopped. 

“The family has been notified and is being supported. Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” a statement from the company said. 

“Safety is our top priority across all our sites, and the wellbeing of everyone on the Clarke Creek Wind Farm site is our immediate focus.

“We will fully cooperate with investigating authorities, and we ask that the privacy of the family and all those affected be respected at this time.”

The man was working for crane company Boom Logistics.

“Despite being treated by emergency services on site, the employee succumbed to the injuries sustained,” Boom Logistics said in a statement. 

“Senior management will travel to the site tomorrow and counselling is being provided to personnel affected by the incident.”

Goldwind, the turbine supplier and installer for the project, said the incident happened late in the morning and involved a telehandler, a heavy vehicle that combines features of a forklift and a crane. 

All three companies are assisting authorities with their enquiries. 

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland says investigators are onsite and are making further inquiries, while Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

The 450 megawatt (MW) Clarke Creek wind farm is in the later stages of construction, with 87 of 100 turbines installed as of last month, and 75 of those already commissioned.

The fatality is the second death at a wind project in the last 12 months.

In November, a man was killed by a falling turbine blade at the Golden Plains wind farm in Victoria.