Statement - family of windfarm security guard secures six-figure sum of damages

Four years ago Ronnie Alexander – a loving husband, father and grandfather – passed away.

He was working as a security guard at the Afton windfarm in Ayrshire when his cabin generator failed during a blizzard.

It left the 74-year-old without electricity or heat and after he failed to reach help, he died from hypothermia just a few hours later.

Last year Ronnie’s employers and the windfarm were prosecuted over health and safety failings that contributed to his death.

The Alexander family has been left utterly heartbroken by the loss of Ronnie – a loss made worse by the fact that it was avoidable.

And now that the Kilmarnock family has settled their civil action, Ronnie’s wife Mary Alexander, 82, hopes construction bosses everywhere will re-evaluate their procedures to keep workers safe.

She said: “Everything about the loss of Ronnie and life without him has been a heartbreak.

“Now that the court hearings are finished it would be wrong to say I’m ‘happy’ or ‘better’ – I’m only glad those parts are over and I can focus my full attention on my family.

“I just hope lessons can be learned from all this by those who operate in construction or remote locations.

“Keeping people safe should not be a hassle or an afterthought.

“It should be priority number one to avoid these very tragedies.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported us but we now just wish to have our privacy respected as we focus on the future.”

Glasgow-based employers CSM Facilities and Belfast-based windfarm bosses Farrans Construction were fined a total of £868,000 at Ayr Sheriff Court in November 2021 after admitting to health and safety breaches that contributed to the fatal accident in 2018.

Damian White, Partner at the firm, helped the family with their workplace accident claim.

He said: “The heartbreak and trauma felt by the Alexander family is something very few could fully appreciate.

“Throughout the numerous investigations and processes that followed this tragic and avoidable incident they have continued to show and express dignity and strength.

“It should be a given that loved ones come home from their work which is why safety regulations exist.

“That is why it is right the two companies were convicted and why it is right they recognise the loss felt by the Alexander family.”

Ronnie is survived by his wife, two daughters and three grandsons.