TWO global firms have been fined hundreds of thousands of pounds after one worker was killed and another seriously injured during the construction of an offshore wind farm.

A team of engineers were loading wind turbine blades onto a sea barge for delivery to Greater Gabbard, off the Suffolk coast, on May 21 2010.

Injured man Frank Kroeger suffered a ruptured spleen, liver lacerations, a collapsed lung, multiple rib fractures on his left side and significant crush injuries to his right arm and hand, with nerve damage to his thumb and fingers.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation found serious safety failings in management systems.

Siemens Windpower was ordered to pay £375,000 in fines and costs of £105,355.

Contractor Fluor was ordered to pay £275,000 in fines and £271,048 costs yesterday.