Rooftop solar “compliance blitz” targets installer short cuts, safety breaches

New South Wales rooftop solar installers are on notice against taking short-cuts on safety, with the launch of a new “compliance blitz” across the state.

SafeWork NSW announced on Thursday that inspectors would be out in force, checking that installers are following the letter of the law on safety when putting PV systems on rooftops.

The new blitz follows up on data collected during the previous blitz, in 2022, that revealed a high level of non-compliance with safe work practices.

In 2022, SafeWork says random visits to 86 installation sites resulted in 403 notices being issued and fines totalling $216,864. Most notices issued concerned the risk of falls from heights, followed by falling object and electrical risk.

According to the 2022 report, 54% of sites did not have adequate fall protections in place, 64% of workers wearing harnesses were not properly connected to the harness system and 61% of sites did not have a plan or diagram showing the rooftop and system layout.

“Following concerning results from previous compliance programs, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will be out in the community targeting the safety duties of retailers and installers of rooftop solar,” says head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin.

“Inspectors often find those in the solar industry taking short-cuts and endangering the lives of workers by not having adequate safety measures in place.

“We will be taking a zero-tolerance approach and those caught will be fined and potentially prosecuted.”

Rooftop solar retailers and installers found to not be meeting their legislative requirements could face a fine of up to $3,600, Curtin says.

“Falls from heights remain the number one cause of fatalities on building sites in NSW and SafeWork NSW is committed to bringing these concerning numbers down in 2024.

“Last year, preventing falls from heights was a regulatory priority for SafeWork NSW and this year we will continue to prioritise the safety of workers, especially those involved in the installation of solar panels.”