Solar panel installation is a growing industry in Australia. As the popularity of solar energy grows, the number of people wanting to install solar panels on their roof also increases. There are many reasons for this growth, but one of the main reasons is that solar energy is a renewable resource that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

When it comes to installing solar panels, there are certain qualifications and safety procedures that need to be followed. In order to install solar panels in Australia, you must be an electrician with an Electrical Contractor Licence (ECL). You must also have a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for installing solar panels. The SWMS should outline the safe work procedures that need to be followed when installing solar panels, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If you do not have a SWMS for installing solar panels, it would be advisable to write one up asap, or ask a safety consultant for assist you.

Working at height on a roof is a high risk work activity and requires a SWMS and proactive risk management

Falls from a roof are among the most common causes of serious injury in the construction industry, with workers often sustaining fractures, internal injuries and head injuries. In order to minimise the risk of falls, workers should always have a fall protection system such as a fall restraint safety harness that prevents you from falling over an exposed edge. This fall protection system should be part of a comprehensive safe work method statement or SWMS that includes procedures on how to set up and use the equipment correctly and safely.

In addition to using fall restraint systems, other preventative measures include ensuring that the work area at height is well-maintained and free of hazards that could contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. This might involve regularly inspecting the work area for loose debris, slippery surfaces, and unstable footing. Moreover, installing edge protection / guardrails around the exposed edges of a roof or any elevated work platform can provide an added layer of protection against falls.

Safety nets can also be employed as a secondary form of fall protection beneath working areas high above ground level, catching workers in case they do fall despite other preventive measures. Employers should also consider scheduling regular safety meetings to address potential risks onsite and update workers on new fall protection systems available.

Proper ladder usage is another critical aspect of preventing falls from heights. Workers should ensure that ladders are securely anchored top and bottom before use, select ladders with appropriate lengths for the task at hand, avoid overreaching while on them, and maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) with the ladder at all times. Face the ladder and keep your torso between the side rails when ascending or descending the ladder.

Training plays a vital role in minimising falls and all existing and new workers should be trained and competent to use fall protection systems used onsite. Training should include best practices on how to properly wear personal safety harnesses and attach them securely to anchorage lines or anchorage points.

Installing exclusion zones and warning signage is also very important when establishing a safe work environment and stopping unauthorised workers from entering a high risk fall zone.

By implementing these strategies – wearing safety harnesses, installing edge protection around all exposed edges at height, and training workers on work at height safety, businesses within construction industry will greatly reduce serious incidents and keep workers safe while working at height.

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