The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is welcoming SafeWork NSW’s announcement that rooftop solar installers in NSW can expect a visit from inspectors as part of a six-month operation to ensure safe work practices are being undertaken within the industry.

SafeWork NSW executive director of compliance & dispute resolution, Matthew Press, says that solar retailers and installers have responsibilities under work health and safety laws to ensure workers are not at risk of falls from heights or contact with electricity, the two biggest safety risks the industry faces.

NECA technical director, Paul Brownlee, adds: “Net zero energy targets must come with zero safety issues. Solar installation is a lucrative business. But, while most electricians are completing high-quality, safe installations, dodgy installers continue to plague our industry, damaging the reputation of hardworking sparkies.

“This is not good enough, and the cowboys must be weeded out. Not only are unsafe installers putting their own lives at risk, but they’re also risking public lives by making homes potential fire traps or, even worse, death traps.”

Paul says that dodgy solar installers should experience more heat than just that from the sun, so it’s pleasing to hear that SafeWork NSW and NSW Fair Trading are clamping down on those doing the wrong thing.

“The SafeWork NSW website has some great resources regarding safe solar panel installations, and if you are still unsure, please reach out to NECA on 1300 361 099.”

SafeWork NSW reported that of the 286 inspections completed last year, 69% of sites were only using harnesses or did not have fall protection at all. Of the sites using harnesses, 32% did not have appropriate anchor points in place, and 50% were not clipped on to anything. A further 26% of sites did not have their ladder fixed at the top, nor did the ladder extend one metre past the landing space. 27% of sites did not place a lock on the main electrical switch or the meter box, and 14% did not adequately address the risk of overhead powerlines.

The announcement also comes off the back of recent news that NSW Fair Trading has revoked the contractor licences of seven electricians after they were found to have signed and submitted compliance certificates (CCEWs) for solar panel installations despite not having carried out, supervised, or inspected the installations themselves.