SafeWork NSW inspectors are undertaking a six-month, state-wide operation across all workers installing solar panels on rooftops, ensuring the safety of all in the busy industry.

This will be the second time SafeWork inspectors have targeted this activity with inspectors visiting 286 solar panels installation sites in 2021, some uncovering unsafe practices.

“The installation of solar photovoltaic systems on rooftops has increased markedly over recent years, due in part to government rebates, with NSW having installed most new rooftop solar panels in Australia in 2021,” SafeWork NSW executive director, compliance and dispute resolution, Matthew Press says.

“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.”

He adds that falls from heights are the biggest cause of traumatic fatalities on NSW construction sites, with most serious or fatal falls being from roofs, ladders or unsafe scaffolds – and from a height of four metres or less.

The safest protection against falls from heights when working on a roof is to use roof rails or scaffolds. Solar rooftop installers must only use harnesses as a last resort when roof rails cannot be installed.

“It is of great concern that of the 286 inspections 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,” he explains.

“The inspections also found that 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.

“Last year an Inspector observed a solar panel installation in progress with a worker at risk of falls of approximately 3.4m from a residential home, as the harness system in use was not connected properly. It was also found the means of access to the roof was not acceptable due to the ladder being unsecured.”

He adds that fines will be issued for non-compliance, with a zero-tolerance approach taken to fall risks. SafeWork has $1,000 rebates available for safety purchases which could prevent an incident and is a better investment than a $3,600 on-the-spot fine.

A Guide to Solar Panel Safety and accompanying installers checklist is available to assist with controlling the risks can be found here. For information on SafeWork’s safety rebates visit this link.