NECA welcomes crackdown on 'solar cowboys'

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed 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 Compliance & Dispute Resolution Matthew Press said, “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 said, “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.

“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 follows 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.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann stated that NSW Fair Trading would not hesitate to act against any electrical contractors trying to cut corners and bend the rules. “In light of the fact that electric shocks are the second-biggest cause of death in the New South Wales construction industry, we also want to ensure solar installation work sites are safe places. It is the solar panel installers, those properly certifying the work, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those on premises and ensuring safe work methods are in place,” she said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Felbaba Volodymyr