DANDENONG, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA — Advantage Electrical Group Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined A$70,000 over roof fall risks during solar installation work, WorkSafe Victoria announced on 15 October 2026.
Court outcome announced today
The regulator says Dandenong Magistrates' Court sentenced the company in its absence on 12 October after finding it guilty of two charges. The penalties were A$40,000 for failing to reduce fall risks and A$30,000 for failing to prepare a Safe Work Method Statement, or SWMS.
The inspection took place in February 2025, not today. A WorkSafe inspector saw two workers installing panels on a two-storey residential roof without guard railing or other fall protection. WorkSafe reported an unsecured access ladder and a working height of 5.79 metres.
The regulator also described earlier compliance action involving fall risks and SWMS requirements at other sites. Today's development is the published prosecution outcome; the announcement does not report a worker falling during this inspection.
Why the case matters for solar installation
A solar installation can combine work near roof edges, access between levels and handling equipment on a restricted surface. Planning needs to address the complete task, including access and the movement of panels, before work begins.
HSEBlog analysis: A written method statement should describe how controls will work at the actual site. A generic document cannot establish that suitable edge protection, access equipment or supervision is present. Conversely, equipment on site does not remove the need to communicate and follow the assessed method.
Employers reviewing roof work can use HSEBlog's explanation of the hierarchy of fall protection, its working-at-height toolbox talk and its ladder safety guidance as background. Applicable Victorian duties and site-specific competent advice remain essential.
Sources and status
This is a conviction and imposed fine, not a proposed penalty. WorkSafe Victoria's 15 October announcement is the primary source. OnNotice also reported the prosecution. The dedicated featured illustration depicts prevention measures rather than the original unprotected work.
Source
WorkSafe Victoriaworksafe.vic.gov.au
