SafeWork NSW has issued 13 improvement notices to the company which is installing solar panels at a new solar farm in Central-Western NSW, near Dubbo. The improvement notices relate to the wiring on the project and require the company to complete urgent repairs for worker safety.
According to the secretary for the Electrical Trades Union, Justin Page, the safety breaches “could easily lead to the electrocution of a worker on the project.”
SafeWork inspectors will return to the site next week to inspect the required repairs, and if the company has failed to remedy the issues, they could face fines of up to almost $3 million.
The solar farm is owned by Lightsource BP, which outsourced the construction of the farm to an Indian solar company, Sterling and Wilson.
“Sterling and Wilson claim to be the largest solar contractor on Earth, yet safety inspections of their first Australian project have found a long list of breaches that could result in the serious injury or death of a worker,” Mr Page said.
One of the most significant issues uncovered was permanent power cables being run through pipes, and domestic-rated power boards being used on the massive site.
“The solar industry likes to promote its progressive reputation, but what we’re seeing at major projects like the Wellington Solar Farm are employment and safety practices that fall far short of community expectations,” Mr Page said.
The Electrical Trades Union first raised concerns about safety on the site in September after an incident which saw a drilling machine almost connect with high-voltage power lines.
Mr Page said: “Clean energy should be safe energy, but unfortunately some companies seem more focused on building these projects quickly and cheaply than on ensuring they are safe for construction workers and maintenance teams.”
A Lightsource BP spokesperson said: “Lightsource BP are ensuring our construction contractor Stirling & Wilson is swiftly and effectively addressing all improvement notices and we are awaiting a final review from SafeWork.”