In the first ten months of the year, the number of occupational accidents for PV-installers leading to sick leave was 94 in Sweden. This is 13% more than the same period last year. The increase is low compared to the increase in the number of installations, which is over 80%.
„It is unfortunate that the number of accidents is increasing, but it is good that it is not increasing as much as the number of installations. Perhaps our information campaigns have produced results," says Anna Werner, CEO of the Swedish Solar Energy Association.
Obviously more PV installers have started to report injuries
Seen over a longer period, the statistics look worse at first glance. According to the statistics, the annual number of reported occupational accidents leading to sick leave for photovoltaic installers has increased from five in 2020 to 94 so far in 2023.
At the same time, the number of new installations of photovoltaic systems increased from 21,875 in 2020 to an estimated 100,000 in 2023. Probably the word "photovoltaic installer" was used less often in 2020 when reporting injuries, as it was not yet as well established as a profession as today.
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„To get good statistics in the future, it is important that installers use the correct term when reporting an occupational accident. In connection with electricity-related accidents reported to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority“, Werner says.
Fall injuries have been the most common over the years, but so far in 2023 the category of movement injuries, slips and trips has been the most common. This may be due to worse weather conditions, but also because more installers have started to report the injuries.
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Use adequate fall protection – take safety seriously
When hiring an installer, Svensk Solenergi recommends that you check how the company works with the safety of its employees Working at height and handling electrical installations is dangerous for those who lack training and appropriate fall protection.
A quote that includes the cost of scaffolding and fall protection may be 30% more expensive, but guarantees the safety of the person on the roof. Failure to use adequate fall protection is a breach of the law and results in unfair competition. (hcn)
