Wind Energy News, Wind Farm Accident
Climate change and renewable energy is a hot topic, and wind turbines are increasingly popular. But even with all this talk of “green energy,” many people are still concerned about the safety of these massive structures, wondering how many accidents they cause.
In addition to the United States, other countries like Scotland, France, and Ireland also face challenges with wind turbine-related incidents, highlighting the global nature of this issue.
There are not many statistics surrounding wind turbine accidents, but there seems to be more than is often spoken about. What do you do if you’re involved in one such accident? Read on to learn more.
What Are Wind Turbines?
Wind turbines are structures that use the wind to generate electricity. They have three blades that rotate around a central column, and the generator produces electricity whenever the blades attached to it spin.
How Many Accidents Do Wind Turbines Cause?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as no central database tracks all accidents caused by wind turbines. However, the National Wind Watch Organization has compiled a list of over 200 reported accidents at wind farms in the United States since 2009.
Most of these accidents result from malfunctioning equipment or human error rather than the wind turbines themselves. However, the frequency of accidents is expected to increase as more turbines are installed near populated areas. For example, in one accident, a worker fell asleep while working on the turbine, and another happened while a worker was trying to fix a broken wire and was electrocuted in the process.
There have also been a few accidents where the wind turbine blades broke off and fell to the ground. In one case, a blade fell off and hit a car driving past the turbine. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident.
The data obtained from various sources highlights the need for better maintenance and quality control to prevent these accidents.
While it is difficult to say exactly how many accidents happen as a result of wind turbines, it is clear that they do pose a certain amount of risk. However, it is important to remember that most of these accidents are due to human error or malfunctioning equipment rather than the turbines themselves.
The Type of Accidents Wind Turbines Cause
Wind turbines are a controversial topic – while some proponents claim that they are a clean and efficient energy source, others assert that they are dangerous and ineffective. One well-kept secret is the number of accidents and tragedies caused by wind turbines. Major component failure, such as structural failures and tower collapses, is a significant cause of these accidents.
Many reported collapsing wind turbines, blades flying off, workers and the general public being injured, and fatality accidents. Of the fatalities, 67 were wind energy industry and direct supporter staff or small turbine operators, while 32 were public fatalities. Incidents involving flying blades, where parts of the turbine blades break off and become airborne, pose serious safety hazards to nearby residents.
While the debate over the efficacy of wind turbines rages on, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers they pose.
Mechanical Failure in Wind Turbines
Mechanical failure is a significant concern in the wind industry, as it can lead to catastrophic wind turbine accidents. One of the most common causes of mechanical failure is blade failure, which can result in whole blades or pieces of blades being thrown from the turbine. This can cause significant damage to the surrounding area and pose a risk to human health. According to the Caithness Windfarm Information Forum, blade failure is the second most common cause of wind turbine accidents, accounting for 15% of all reported accidents. Poor maintenance and poor quality control are also major contributors to mechanical failure in wind turbines. Regular maintenance and inspection of turbine components can help prevent mechanical failure and reduce the risk of accidents.
Electrical Failure in Wind Turbines
Electrical failure is another significant risk associated with wind turbines. Electrical failures can cause fires, which can spread quickly and cause significant damage to the turbine and surrounding area. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failure is a leading cause of wind turbine fires. Lightning strikes are also a major cause of electrical failure in wind turbines, as they can cause significant damage to the turbine’s electrical systems. The use of lightning protection systems and regular maintenance of electrical components can help reduce the risk of electrical failure and prevent fires.
Ice Throws and Wind Turbines
While the number of accidents caused by wind turbines is relatively low, one type of accident that seems more common is ice throw. Ice throws occur when large chunks of ice are thrown from the turbine blades and land on nearby homes, businesses, or people.
There have been several reports of ice throws in recent years, and the problem is getting worse as more and more turbines are built in cold climates.
In one incident, a piece of ice thrown from a turbine blade smashed through the windshield of a car driving past the turbine. Fortunately, the driver was not injured.
In another incident, a man was walking near a wind farm when he was hit in the head by a piece of ice thrown from a turbine blade. The man suffered a serious concussion and was hospitalized.
Wind Turbine Fires
Wind turbine fires are another type of accident that can occur, posing a significant fire risk to the turbine and surrounding area. These fires usually start when the turbine’s gearbox overheats and can cause extensive damage to the turbine and surrounding area.
At Piet De Witt Farm in the Netherlands, a fire that started in a turbine’s gearbox spread to the rest of the turbine, causing over €1 million in damage. In Texas, a fire that began in a turbine’s gearbox spread to the nearby forest, burning over 200 hectares of land.
While wind turbine fires are not as common as other types of accidents, they are damaging and costly. Fire accidents are the second most common cause of wind turbine incidents, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and fire prevention measures. This is why it is important for turbine operators to regularly inspect and maintain their turbines to reduce the risk of a fire. Operators should also have a plan for dealing with a fire if one does occur.
Blade Flying Off
Another type of accident that can occur is when a turbine blade comes flying off, resulting in dangerous blade pieces that can cause extensive damage. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including severe weather, improper maintenance, or manufacturing defects.
When a turbine blade comes flying off, it can cause extensive damage to nearby homes, businesses, or people.
In New York, there was an incident of wind turbine blades flying off, smashing a car, and an illuminated billboard. In another incident, a turbine blade flew off and hit a man walking nearby, and the man suffered serious injuries and was again hospitalized.
Exploding Turbine
One of the most dangerous types of accidents that can occur is an exploding turbine. This usually happens when the turbine’s gearbox overheats and causes a fire that spreads to the turbine’s blades. When the blades explode, they can fly off and cause damage to nearby homes, businesses, or people.
In one incident, an exploding turbine caused $1 million in damage to a nearby home. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident.
Leaking Mineral Oil
Sometimes, turbines leak mineral oil, and this happens as hoses fail and maintenance is not performed on a regular schedule or simply with age.
This mineral oil is dangerous if it comes into contact with people or animals, and it can also seep into the ground and contaminate nearby water supplies.
Climate Change and Environmental Damage
Wind turbines are often seen as an environmentally friendly source of renewable energy, but they can also have negative environmental impacts. One of the most significant environmental concerns associated with wind turbines is the risk of bird deaths. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, hundreds of thousands of birds are killed each year by wind turbines. Climate change is also a major concern, as it can cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms and high winds, which can damage wind turbines and cause accidents. The development of new wind projects must take into account the potential environmental impacts and strive to minimize them. Environmental groups, such as Scotland Against Spin, are working to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with wind turbines and promote more sustainable and responsible development of wind energy.
Preventing Accidents at Wind Farms
Wind farm accidents are not common but cause serious incidents when they occur. Owners and operators of wind farms should take the following preventive measures to prevent these incidents from happening:
Regularly inspect and maintain turbines
Have a plan in place for dealing with fires
Educate workers on safety procedures
Ensure that all safety equipment is in good condition
Post warning signs around the wind farm
By taking these precautions, operators can help to reduce the risk of accidents at their wind farms.
What To Do If You’re Injured in a Wind Farm Accident
If you or someone you know suffers injuries in a wind farm accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
This is also the case if your property suffers damage from a wind turbine. A lawyer can help you assess the damage and determine whether you are entitled to compensation.
What Will a Wind Farm Attorney Do?
A wind farm attorney will review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a valid claim. Your lawyer will help you gather evidence and build a strong case if you have a claim. The first step in this process is to contact a lawyer for a free consultation. They will investigate whether you have a case and how much your claim is worth. Investigations need to be thorough to ensure you have the best chance at a successful outcome.
Your lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. It is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to ensure you get the full amount of compensation you deserve. The insurance company will try to lowball you, but a lawyer will fight for the maximum amount of compensation.
You should not have to worry about how you will pay for your medical bills or property damage. A lawyer will help you get the compensation you need to cover these costs.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Claim?
Every state has its own time limits for filing a claim. These time limits are known as statutes of limitations. If you do not file a claim within this time period, you will be unable to receive compensation for your injuries.
It is important to note that the time limit may not apply in every case. If you are filing a claim against the government, you may have a shorter time frame to file your claim than usual. If you are unsure whether time limits apply to your case, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
You should also be aware that the time limit for filing a property damage claim differs from the time limit for filing a personal injury claim. A lawyer can help you with all these details.
Seek Expert help after a Wind Turbine Accident
While wind turbine accidents are not as common as other types of accidents, they can be very destructive. There are a variety of different accidents that can occur at wind farms, and some are fatal. If you’re working at a wind farm, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and know what to do if an accident does occur.
Contact a wind farm accident lawyer if you or a loved one experience injury from a wind farm accident. Our team of experienced lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
