Solar panel installer convicted, fine $500,000
A solar panel installer has been convicted and fined $500,000 (plus $5613 costs) for safety breaches at sites across Victoria, including a 2019 incident where a worker suffered serious injuries after falling through a skylight.
Global Renewable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd was found guilty at the Werribee Magistrates' Court on Monday October 11 of five charges of failing to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that the workplace was safe and without risk to health.
In June 2019, three workers were installing a solar electrical system on a 4.5-metre high shed at Werribee South when one fell through a skylight to the concrete floor below. He fractured his spine and pelvis and was in hospital for over a week.
WorkSafe found there was no perimeter guardrail on the roof or fall protection around the skylight, none of the workers were using a safety harness and a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) did not identify that there were skylights in the roof.
A WorkSafe investigation further revealed the company had engaged in unsafe practices at four further rooftop solar installation sites at Cobram, Truganina, Newham and Corio in 2019.
Those safety breaches included:
- When an unsecured portable ladder was used access a shed roof at Cobram, it slipped sideways while a worker was climbing down, causing persistent back pain and shock.
- Workers at a Truganina property alerted management that collapsing roof tiles were compromising their safety. Despite a SWMS that stated "work must cease immediately if [an] incident or near miss occurs" the workers were directed to keep working because the company needed the money.
- Workers were denied use of a scissor lift to safely transport solar panels to the roof of a shed in Newham and were instead directed to carry the panels up an unsecured extension ladder.
- Harnesses worn by workers on a 10-metre high commercial shed at Corio were not connected to the roof, perimeter guard-railing was not installed around the whole work area and the transparent sheeting on the roof was not covered.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Andrew Keen said the company had shown a continued disregard for its workers' safety. "This case should serve as a wake-up call to any employer that thinks it can put profits above the safety of its workers," Mr Keen said. Read more: WorkSafe media release
To check for more Victorian prosecutions before the next edition, go to WorkSafe Victoria's Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings webpage.
