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Ensuring Safety in Rooftop Solar Installation: It's Not Just a Requirement—It's the Law

Updated: Jan 18

Solar Panel Lifter ready to safely lift panel

When it comes to solar installation safety - it isn't optional—it's the law. Yet, across Australia, solar installers often face injuries due to outdated and unsafe practices. This includes dangerous actions like carrying solar panels up ladders. Such methods not only breach SafeWork regulations, but they can also result in serious injuries, compensation claims, fines, and even fatalities.


🚧 Real Incidents That Should Be a Wake-Up Call


1. Worker Falls Nearly 6 Meters from a Ladder While Carrying a Panel

In Queensland, a solar installer sustained serious injuries after falling nearly 6 meters while climbing an unsecured ladder holding a solar panel. The employer's failure to provide a safe method of access led to this dangerous situation. The poignant case resulted in a $55,000 fine. → *Full case report and $55,000 fine


2. Fatal Fall in Victoria During Solar Installation

A tragic incident unfolded in Victoria when a 21-year-old worker lost his life after falling from a ladder while installing panels on a single-storey home. This devastating accident triggered a Safe Work alert, emphasizing the critical need for compliant working-at-height systems. → *Read the alert from WorkSafe Victoria


3. $40,000 Fine After Worker Falls from Gutter-Scaffold Setup

In another alarming case, a Queensland company faced a $40,000 fine after a worker fell from a hazardous gutter-scaffold setup. This incident serves as a reminder that even minor risks can lead to severe consequences. → *See the fine here


💸 Solar Installation Safety - What Unsafe Practices Really Cost

It's important to understand the tangible costs that unsafe practices incur in the solar industry:


  • Workers’ Compensation Claims: Ladder-related falls result in substantial financial losses. Australian businesses face thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and insurance premiums.



  • Fines & Penalties for Non-Compliance: SafeWork regulators take height safety very seriously. One solar company faced a staggering $500,000 fine due to multiple breaches, including unsafe methods of lifting panels.



🛠️ The Solution: Smart Tools That Keep Installers Safe

Lifting panels manually is an outdated practice. It poses significant risks to both your crew and your business. Fortunately, there are better solutions available.


Introducing the Solar Coaster

That’s precisely why we developed the Solar Coaster. This innovative tool revolutionizes how roof installations are done by ensuring safety and compliance.


  • ✅ Compliant with Safe Work lifting & access guidelines

  • ✅ Designed to reduce strain, risk, and time

  • ✅ Easy to use, even on windy days

  • ✅ Helps you avoid costly workers’ compensation claims and fines


It’s time to prioritize safety. Equip your crew with the tool that makes safe installations quicker, simpler, and legally compliant.


⚡ Useful Links for Business Owners & Installers

For more information on safe practices and compliance, check out these resources:


Final Thoughts

As solar installations become more common across Australia, the importance of safety can’t be overstated. Protecting workers should always come first. With the right tools and adherence to regulations, we can ensure not just compliance, but the safety of every installer. One unsafe practice can lead to devastating outcomes, both personally and financially.


By being proactive, investing in the right equipment, and staying informed, we can safeguard lives while promoting a flourishing industry. The responsibility lies with every individual and organization involved in solar installations to maintain safety standards. Taking these steps can significantly impact the overall safety culture in rooftop solar installation.


Remember, safety isn’t just a code to follow—it’s a commitment to protect lives. Let’s make it a priority every day!

 
 
 

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