NT solar company faces charges for persistently disregarding the risk of falls from heights

NT Solar Company Faces Charges for Persistently Disregarding the Risk of Falls From Heights

NT WorkSafe has charged a Darwin-based solar installation business and its manager for failing to ensure workers used proper fall protection measures while carrying out tasks at height. This territory solar installer now faces court action over persistent safety failures linked to work performed at elevation.

The regulator alleges that in May 2024, inspectors for Electrical Safety carried out unplanned checks on recently installed solar PV systems at a Katherine home. Findings from this assessment raise serious concerns about how solar panel installation leads manage height-related risk on residential sites.

What the Inspection Uncovered

The safety assessment performed at the property uncovered a range of electrical deficiencies and violations tied to the installed solar PV system. These issues point to broader gaps in how some operators approach fall risk during rooftop electrical work.

NT WorkSafe has charged both the company and its manager, with each facing two charges under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (the Act). This dual charging approach reflects how seriously the regulator treats health and safety obligations owed to workers on site.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

Proceedings are scheduled to be mentioned at Darwin Local Court on Thursday, 22 August. Outcomes from this case may influence how other electrical companies operating across the territory manage height safety compliance going forward.

Businesses involved in solar installation, roofing, or any elevated task should treat this matter as a reminder that regulators actively monitor compliance with fall protection duties. Reviewing current practices against the Act's requirements helps darwin business owners avoid similar charged outcomes.

Strengthening Fall Risk Management

Employers can reduce exposure to prosecution by maintaining robust systems for identifying and controlling height-related hazards. Useful resources include:

• Reviewing falls management plans to ensure height-related controls remain current and enforceable
• Applying a digital job safety analysis template before every task performed at elevation
• Strengthening broader risk management processes to capture emerging hazards on residential and commercial sites

Similar enforcement trends have appeared elsewhere, including in Western Australia's approach to transitioning falls from height rules in construction, and in a recent case where a WA transport company faced charges over a worker's severe injuries. Both examples reinforce that regulators nationwide continue prioritising health outcomes tied to workplace risk.

For businesses adapting operations, including remote or site-based arrangements, resources such as guidance on whether your business is ready for employees working from home can also support broader compliance planning.

Find out more here.