The NSW workplace regulator is coming down heavy on rooftop solar panel installers who expose employees to workplace risks.
SafeWork NSW is prosecuting offending businesses, with two firms recently facing Downing Centre Local Court relating to a rooftop solar installation in the Sydney suburb of North Ryde in December 2021.
The court heard evidence that two employees from one electrical subcontractor were installing PV panels at a two-storey residence – one at a height of two metres and the other at a height of five metres – without any fall protection measures in place.
The solar installation company that hired the subcontractors was also convicted and fined $14,000.
According to the head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann, these prosecutions are a reminder to businesses and their employees that proactive risk management and safety precautions are mandatory on worksites.
“In one prosecution, subcontractor SY Electrical Pty Ltd was convicted and fined $8000 for failing to minimise risk of fall from height by not providing and maintaining adequate employee protection,” she said.
“The business was also convicted and fined an additional $8000 for failing to ensure a Safe Work Method Statement was prepared for the high-risk construction work.
“We need solar businesses to understand working safely is more than a policy statement in workplace manuals – it’s a legal responsibility they need to be monitoring every day and on every job.
“Experience shows businesses that invest in a strong safety culture are likely to produce better quality work and have higher staff engagement.”
Information about workplace safety can be found at safework.nsw.gov.au.
