SafeWork launches solar installation safety blitz

SafeWork Launches Solar Installation Safety Blitz

SafeWork NSW has commenced a compliance blitz to enforce regulations covering safe installation of rooftop solar equipment. Inspectors are targeting sites where non-compliance with health and safety obligations has been flagged as a persistent risk.

According to the safety watchdog, inspectors want business owners to conduct thorough risk assessments on subcontractors, ensuring every worker involved in rooftop installation work follows a documented safe work practice guide.

What Prompted This Compliance Blitz?

SafeWork data shows inspectors carried out inspections at 86 rooftop solar installation sites in 2022, uncovering a notable level of non-compliance across the sector. These findings prompted regulators to escalate their compliance blitz efforts heading into this six-month state-wise operation.

These inspections led to issuance of 403 notices, resulting in fines amounting to $216,864. Such figures highlight why a clear safety guide matters for contractors managing installation timelines under pressure.

Common Compliance Failures Identified

The most common reasons for issuing notices were falls from heights, followed by falling objects and electrical risks. Falls remain a leading cause of serious injury in construction-related trades, and falls involving unguarded roof edges featured prominently among cited breaches.

• Falls from heights due to inadequate edge protection or anchor points
• Falling objects lacking proper controls during panel handling
• Electrical risk exposure from incomplete isolation procedures

Why a Documented Safety Guide Matters

Business owners operating on rooftop solar projects should maintain a current safe work method statement guide addressing fall prevention, electrical isolation, and manual handling. A robust policy framework helps demonstrate due diligence should SafeWork inspectors visit a site unannounced.

Referencing a nationally recognised guide, such as those aligned with Safe Work Australia (SWA) model codes, gives employers a defensible position during audits. Workers benefit from clear advice on hazard identification before work begins each day.

Practical Steps for Employers

Employers preparing for potential inspections should consider the following advice:

• Review and update safe work method statements specific to rooftop solar installation
• Confirm subcontractor licensing and competency records are current
• Implement risk controls for fall prevention, including guardrails and harness systems
• Provide toolbox talks covering electrical risk and falling object hazards

SafetyDocs offers a comprehensive Solar Installation SWMS template designed to help businesses document safe practices before work commences. For larger-scale operations, the Ground-Based Solar Farm Installation SWMS provides tailored guidance, while contractors handling rooftop hot water systems may also find the Solar Hot Water Installation SWMS useful.

Businesses seeking broader coverage can explore our Electrical-HVAC-Solar Safety Packages, which bundle multiple resources for teams managing electrical and installation risk across projects.

Related SafeWork Compliance Activity

This solar-focused blitz follows other recent enforcement activity, including a campaign where SafeWork targets oyster farms in a safety blitz and a separate initiative where SafeWork NSW kicks off an electrical safety blitz. Together, these operations signal sustained regulatory attention on industries where fall and electrical hazards intersect.

Read more here.