Solar Panel Installation Fatality File

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLER FALLS OFF THE ROOF!

A 30-year-old solar panel installer, Richard P. died after he fell 45 feet off the roof of a three-story apartment building. He was part of a three-man crew working to install solar panels on a sloped roof. Richard walked backward and stepped off the roof while checking the position of some brackets. No one was wearing personal fall protection equipment and there was no other fall protection system in place.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

• Richard was not wearing personal fall protection equipment.
• The worksite safety plan for this project included the use of personal fall protection, but it was not used.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

• Make sure personal fall protection or other fall protection systems are used by solar energy workers on roofs sloped greater than 30 degrees or which have other fall hazards.
• Make sure worksite safety plans are implemented. This can be accomplished through supervision and training.