PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS
Due to the energy situation that Europe is experiencing, there has been a surge in interest and investment in renewable energies. In this context, the Iberian Peninsula, with its particularly favorable climatic conditions for solar energy exploitation, is witnessing a significant increase in the number of photovoltaic installations in use. This scenario should not be overlooked from an Occupational Risk Prevention perspective. Many of these installations are located on rooftops of warehouses, factories, residential buildings, etc., involving temporary work at height, with the high risk of falls, in addition to the electrical risks derived from the installation of the equipment itself.
It is also interesting to note that, according to PRL regulations, the presence of a preventive resource for particularly hazardous work is mandatory, including temporary work at height. Moreover, in these cases, it is mandatory to develop a project and/or basic safety study or safety plan. All this results in an increased number of parties involved in an accident, potentially including the property/developer, main contractor, potential subcontractors, site management, safety coordinator, and other companies, depending on the specific case.
It is our job to analyze the case in depth, considering the legislative and regulatory particularities of the renewable energy sector itself, and to explore the range of implications that occur in most accidents, regardless of the infringement notice, which only superficially points to some of them.