SafeWork NSW targets rooftop solar safety in compliance blitz
04 Apr 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW has launched a compliance blitz targeting rooftop solar installation safety after earlier inspections found widespread non-compliance. Inspectors are checking retailers’ and installers’ safety duties, including how business owners oversee subcontractor safety.
Inspections carried out in 2021 and 2022 resulted in 403 notices and fines totalling $216,864. Falls from heights accounted for most notices, followed by falling objects and electrical risks.
In 2022, inspectors visited 86 rooftop solar installation sites and found a high level of non-compliance. Their observations identified recurring problems with missing or inadequate fall protection, putting workers at risk of serious or fatal incidents.
Inspectors also found that many harness systems were incorrectly set up or used unsafely. SafeWork NSW called for the industry to improve its use of higher-level fall protection, including temporary edge protection and scaffolds, with harnesses used only as a last resort.
Although falls remain the main concern, the regulator also identified electrical, asbestos and musculoskeletal risks that need to be controlled. It noted that risk assessments should reflect the conditions at each site.
Rooftop solar retailers and installers that fail to meet their legislative requirements can face fines of up to $3,600. Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said inspectors would target their safety duties following concerning results from previous compliance programs.
Curtin said inspectors regularly found solar industry workers’ lives being put at risk by shortcuts and inadequate safety measures. He warned that SafeWork NSW would take a zero-tolerance approach, with those caught facing fines and potential prosecution.
Curtin said falls from heights remained the leading cause of fatalities on NSW building sites. He said preventing falls had been a regulatory priority the previous year and worker safety, particularly during solar panel installation, would remain a priority in 2024.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free SWMS tool can help you prepare a safe work method statement for high-risk construction work involved in rooftop solar installation, including work at heights. We help you document the task, its hazards and the controls relevant to your site. Create a free SWMS