Preventing Worker Deaths in the Solar Industry

As the use of solar energy continues to grow in California and nationally, an increasing number of workers are exposed to unique hazards than can cause injury or death.

The California Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program investigates work-related fatalities to identify the causes and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. FACE has recently investigated the deaths of three solar installers. Hazards that contributed to these deaths include pitched roofs, working too close to the roof's edge, lack of fall protection, proximity of overhead power lines, and unguarded skylights.

FACE produced four fact sheets (in English and Spanish), three investigation reports, and one digital story (short safety video – see below for more information) to warn solar workers and employers of potential workplace hazards:

• Solar panel installer - fall off roof (PDF) | Spanish | Investigation Report | Digital Story
• Solar worker – fall through skylight (PDF) | Spanish | Investigation Report
• Solar technician - electrocution (PDF) | Spanish | Investigation Report
• Lifting solar panels safely (PDF) | Spanish
• B & W print-friendly fact sheet versions– best for printing multiple copies

Digital Story

Hans Petersen said goodbye to his roommate and left for work to install solar panels.  Hans didn't return from work that day.  He died on the job when he stepped backwards off an apartment building roof and fell 45 feet.

OHB's FACE program has created a four-minute "digital story" to explain the tragic events that led to Petersen's fatal fall and what could have been done to prevent it.  The video honors Petersen's memory and encourages residential solar and construction contractors and workers to work safely and use the right equipment. Watch the solar video.

Preventing Falls in the Solar Industry Action Page - web page (includes video download instructions)

Additional Educational Materials

FACE Fall Prevention Tailgate Training Materials

Preventing Falls in Construction web page

FACE partners with industry, labor, community and public health advocates to get the word out about our investigation findings and prevention recommendations.  Trade associations, employers, labor centers, foreign consulates and community colleges have incorporated our materials into their outreach and training efforts.  As more and more workers enter this growing industry, we want to make sure solar jobs are safe for all workers. 

Additional Solar & Green Jobs Resources

• Federal OSHA - Green Jobs Hazards
• CDC NIOSH - Green, Safe, and Healthy Jobs | 'Going Green' Science Blog
• Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association - Solar Safety Manual (PDF)
• Blue Green Alliance
• National Council for Occupational Safety & Health - Green Jobs-Safe Jobs Campaign
• Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition - Clean and Just Solar Energy Campaign