Agile Advantage - Solar rooftop safety: Risk management guide

Introduction

Rooftop solar installation presents significant occupational health and safety challenges. Falls from heights, electrical hazards, heat stress, and manual handling injuries are common risks in this industry.

Safe Work Australia's Guide to Managing the Risks of Rooftop Solar Installation Work (August 2024) provides comprehensive guidance for businesses to enhance workplace safety and ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.

• In Australia, falls from heights account for 28% of construction- related fatalities, with rooftop solar work being a significant contributor.

• Electrical incidents related to solar panel installations have increased by 15% over the past five years, emphasising the need for stringent safety measures.

• The Australian solar industry generates $7 billion annually, with a projected 20% growth in rooftop installations over the next five years.

Health & Safety Duties

Everyone plays a role in safety - from designers to installers, everyone must ensure safe practices.

Safety Roles

• PCBU : Responsible for providing a safe work environment and ensuring training and implementing risk management strategies.

• Designers: Ensure solar systems are safe and provide necessary safety information.  

• Installers: Follow risk management practices, use safety equipment, and comply with regulations.

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Risk Management Process  

A structured approach to risk management involves identifying potential hazards, assessing their severity, and implementing appropriate controls. This involves:

• Identifying hazards: Assessing workplace conditions, access routes, and potential environmental risks.

• Assessing risks: Determining the likelihood and severity of hazards.

• Implementing control measures: Utilising elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Reviewing effectiveness: Ensuring control measures remain effective over time.

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Key Risks & Controls

Falls, electrical hazards, heat exposure, and manual handling are major risks requiring strict controls.  

Risk Controls ‍

• Falls: Eliminate work at heights where possible, use fall arrest systems.

• Electrical: De-energise circuits, use insulated tools, and implement electrical safety training.

• Heat: Provide hydration plans, shaded rest areas, and sun protection.

• Manual Handling: Use mechanical aids, team lifting strategies, and rotate tasks.

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Training & Supervision

• Training in working at heights, electrical safety, and manual handling is crucial for solar installers.

• Installers must be trained in identifying hazards, using appropriate equipment, and following safety protocols.

• Supervision is essential to ensure compliance with safety measures and to provide guidance and support to workers.

• 25% of solar workers report insufficient training in hazard recognition before their first job.

• Companies that invest in WHS training report a 15% decrease in workplace incidents and $2 million in savings annually.

Emergency Preparedness

Preparation is key to minimising damage in emergencies - have first aid, rescue plans, and trained responders on hand.

• First Aid: Ensure accessibility of first aid kits and trained responders. ‍

• Rescue Planning: Establish protocols for fall rescues and electrical emergencies. ‍

• Response Costs: Workplace incidents requiring emergency medical attention cost the industry $10 million annually in response and recovery expenses.

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