Victoria’s solar installation sector is under intensified regulatory scrutiny, with WorkSafe Victoria and Solar Victoria combining forces to target businesses that expose workers to deadly falls from height.
So far in 2026, 14 Solar Victoria investigations have been linked to WorkSafe enforcement activity, resulting in the suspension of 10 businesses found to have inadequate fall prevention measures in place. A further eight businesses have been prosecuted this year following solar installation site inspections, with fines and costs exceeding $100,000.
The crackdown follows a concerning pattern of harm in the sector. Since 2021, more than 2,300 workers have been injured and 20 have lost their lives due to falls in the construction industry, which includes solar installation. WorkSafe has now prosecuted 42 solar companies for falls-related offences since 2021, resulting in more than $1.4 million in court-imposed penalties.
Central to the current enforcement push is a new 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 compliance history — including businesses that have never been inspected before.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said inspectors regularly found workers on rooftops without adequate fall protection despite it being available on site.
“Employers know exactly how to prevent falls, which makes it even more devastating when workers are seriously injured or killed because basic safety measures have been ignored,” Mr Jenkin said. “We are actively watching solar installation sites across Victoria and taking action when control measures such as scaffolds, safety rails, harnesses or catch platforms are missing.”
WorkSafe inspectors conduct at least three proactive visits each week to solar installation sites, in addition to responding to reported incidents and safety concerns.
Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan warned that safe work at height was non-negotiable for businesses operating in the Solar Homes Program. “Installers who fail to ensure their workers are provided with and use basic fall protection can expect serious consequences — including suspension or cancellation from the program,” he said.
