In June 2025 HQ Solar and Electrical Pty Ltd were fined just $8,000 with no conviction recorded after exposing two young apprentices to the
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed this sentence in the County Court as inadequate.
In April 2024 WorkSafe inspectors observed people installing solar panels on the roof of a two-storey home in Elwood. Upon direction to come down safety from the roof, the director of HQ Solar and Electrical came down with two first year apprentices.
The inspectors noted that no guard rails had been erected on the roof where the work was being performed. A ladder had been set up from the backyard to the first-floor roof, and then another ladder had been set up on from the first roof to the second-floor roof. Both ladders were strapped off to the roof and extended approximately 900mm above the landings.
A Safe Work Method Statement had been ‘prepared’, but it appeared to have been used multiple times as previous job addresses had been covered with correction fluid and the sign-off section was dated October 2023.
It was also noted that although a harness and rope kit was on site in the back yard it was not being used.
In June 2025 the Magistrates Court sentenced HQ Solar to pay a fine of only $8,000.
The DPP appeal was heard in the County Court where it was noted that three people had been exposed to the risk of falling despite equipment being readily available. There were, however, an inadequate number of harnesses on site for all employees working at height. The employer was aware of previous warnings and the guidance materials available.
The County Court set aside the orders of the Magistrates’ Court and sentenced HQ Solar to a fine of $27,500 with no conviction recorded.
Read more: Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings | WorkSafe Victoria