Solar installer fined for unsafe workplace
An Australian solar installer has been fined $40,000 following an incident where a sub-contractor fell three stories through a roof while removing asbestos sheeting. The incident occurred during preparations for a new roof and rooftop PV system installation.
WorkSafe Victoria revealed that Sams Solar Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Portland Magistrates Court after admitting to failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace. The company had been hired to remove asbestos sheeting and install a new roof and solar system at a self-storage warehouse in Portland, Victoria.
Safety Failures and Consequences
Instead of using appropriate safety measures such as a scissor lift or safety mesh, workers were only equipped with harnesses and lifted onto the roof by a boom lift. This led to a worker’s harness rope becoming tangled, resulting in a fall of approximately 10 metres. The worker sustained a fractured wrist and severe bruising, requiring hospital treatment.
Legal Ramifications and Company Identity
As a result of the safety breach, Sams Solar was fined $40,000 and directed to pay $6,026 in costs. The company, identified as Sams Solar Penrith based in Cranebrook, New South Wales, was held accountable for the inadequate safety measures that led to the worker’s injuries.
Although the incident did not occur during the solar installation process, WorkSafe Victoria emphasised the importance of implementing proper safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents. Falls from height are highlighted as a significant risk on worksites, underscoring the need for employers to prioritise worker safety.
WorkSafe Victoria used this incident as a reminder to employers about the critical measures required to prevent falls from height and the responsibilities of duty holders towards their workers.
