Vic tackles falls risk in solar sector

Victorian regulators WorkSafe and Solar Victoria are working together to reduce the risk of falls in the solar sector.

In the broader Victorian construction industry, falls from height continue to cause serious workplace harm, with more than 2300 workers injured and a further 20 sadly losing their lives since 2021.

The two regulators are now sharing more information between each other to strengthen compliance and enforcement activity in the area of solar installation.

This includes the development of a WorkSafe data tool that integrates Solar Victoria installer notifications, enabling inspectors to identify activity in their area, target high-risk sites and consider an operator’s history — including those that haven’t been inspected before and those with a record of non-compliance.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said inspectors regularly encountered workers installing solar without adequate fall protection, despite it being available onsite.

“Employers know exactly how to prevent falls, which makes it even more devastating when workers are seriously injured or killed because basic safety measures have been ignored,” he said.

“We are actively watching solar installation sites across Victoria and taking action when control measures such as scaffolds, safety rails, harnesses or catch platforms are missing.”

In addition to responding to incidents or health and safety concerns, WorkSafe said its inspectors conduct at least three proactive visits each week to solar installation sites to ensure employers are meeting their health and safety obligations.

So far this year, WorkSafe enforcement activity has led to 14 Solar Victoria investigations, resulting in 10 suspensions for businesses found to have inadequate fall prevention measures.

“We are collaborating closely with WorkSafe to identify unsafe behaviour and remove those who do the wrong thing from the Solar Homes Program,” said Solar Victoria Chief Executive Officer Stan Krpan.

“Installers who fail to ensure their workers are provided with and use basic fall protection, like edge protection or harnesses, can expect serious consequences — including suspension or cancellation from the program.”

Falls risks in the construction industry remain a priority enforcement area for WorkSafe, with a dedicated focus on the solar sector.

Since 2021, the organisation has prosecuted 42 solar companies for failing to manage falls risks, resulting in more than $1.4 million in court-imposed penalties, with the vast majority being for observed working at height breaches where no incident had yet occurred.

“Our inspectors often hear excuses like ‘it was just a quick job’ or ‘we just wanted to be in and out’, but saving 10 or 20 minutes is never worth someone’s life,” Jenkin said.

“Employers need to understand that every time they allow workers onto a roof without adequate fall protection, they are risking lives and breaking the law, and action will be taken regardless of whether an incident occurs.”

WorkSafe’s Falls Basics offers free online workshops led by inspectors, giving employers practical advice and resources to prevent falls.

Image credit: iStock.com/SimonSkafar