Renewable energy, particularly solar energy, is rapidly gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Solar energy installation involves the setup of photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight into electricity, or solar thermal systems that capture heat for residential or commercial use. The solar energy installation industry faces unique safety challenges, including working at heights, exposure to electrical hazards, and outdoor work conditions. This study aims to rank the primary identified risks within the solar energy installation industry. A survey was conducted to rank the key safety risks faced by solar energy installers. Five hazards were identified for assessment. Participants ranked each hazard by measuring the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of the consequences if an incident were to happen. Findings showed that slips and trips were perceived as the predominant hazard, underscoring issues related to site conditions and housekeeping. Manual handling tasks, such as lifting panels and heavy equipment, followed closely behind. Interestingly, the risk levels for falls from height, heat stress, and electrical and fire hazards were relatively low. The results show that safety efforts must focus not only on traditional risks like falls, but also on often overlooked hazards such as slips, trips, and musculoskeletal strain caused by manual labor.
Ahmed Jalil Al-Bayati (Sun,) studied this question.