Crackdown on Falls Risks in the Solar Sector

Regulators are shining a light on Victoria’s solar sector, reminding employers there is no excuse for putting workers at risk of deadly falls.

Falls from height continue to cause serious workplace harm in the construction industry, with more than 2,300 workers injured and a further 20 sadly losing their lives since 2021.

WorkSafe and Solar Victoria are now sharing more information to strengthen compliance and enforcement activities in the sector.

This includes the development of a WorkSafe data tool that integrates Solar Victoria installer notifications, enabling inspectors to identify activity in their area, target high-risk sites and consider an operator’s history – including those that haven’t been inspected before and those with a record of non-compliance.

Inspectors Targeting Victoria’s Solar Sector

Falls risks in the construction industry remain a priority enforcement area for WorkSafe, with a dedicated focus on the solar sector.

WorkSafe inspectors conduct multiple proactive visits each week to solar installation sites, in addition to responding to incidents or health and safety concerns.

So far this year, 14 Solar Victoria investigations have been linked to WorkSafe enforcement activity, resulting in 10 suspensions for businesses found to have inadequate fall prevention measures. Recently, a solar installation company was convicted and fined a total of $100,000 after repeatedly failing to address the risks of falls at four residential homes in Victoria.

The case is a timely reminder that effective fall prevention measures, current safety documentation, and compliance with legal obligations are essential to keeping workers safe and avoiding costly penalties.

Falls from Heights Prevention

If you’re installing solar panels, managing a site, employing workers or subcontracting, it’s your responsibility to reduce the risk of falls. Employers should implement the highest possible measures from the five levels of the hierarchy of controls:

• Level 1: Eliminate the risk by, where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from a solid construction.
• Level 2: Use a passive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms.
• Level 3: Use a positioning system, such as a travel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within a safe area.
• Level 4: Use a fall arrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the risk of injuries in the event of a fall.
• Level 5: Use a fixed or portable ladder, or implement administrative controls.

Falls Basics Workshops

WorkSafe’s Falls Basics offers free online workshops led by inspectors, giving employers practical advice and resources to prevent falls.

Get in fast before they book out for 2026.

Date	Time	Location	Registration link
Wednesday, 25 November, 2026	3pm – 5pm	Online	Register now
Wednesday, 2 December, 2026	2pm – 4pm	Online	Register now

Useful information can be found:

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/fall-prevention or this site: High standards | WorkSafe Victoria

https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/working-safely-heights-during-solar-installations

https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-industry-guidance

Watch this before you climb another ladder.  

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