During the manufacturing of Solar Panels and batteries, workers may be exposed to different risks. So, to reduce these risks, employers should provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), implement a shift system to avoid long-term exposure to chemicals, and adopt an automated system wherever possible, especially when handling hazardous materials.

Similarly, during installation and maintenance, workers face physical, electrical, and psychological hazards. In rooftop solar projects, fall risks increase when working at heights of 4 feet or more. Workers should never be allowed to climb ladders while carrying solar panels. So cranes, conveyor belts, and ladder hoists should be used wherever possible. However, cranes must be properly inspected and operated to prevent fatalities and serious injuries. Working in extreme weather causes dehydration and stroke. PV panels, glass with sharp edges, cause cuts. Solar panels also heat up quickly when exposed to sunlight, causing burns risk. Lifting and moving the panels or tools can cause ergonomic strain and hot work, such as welding frames, which can expose workers to eye injury, burns, etc. [2, 3] So, to avoid such hazards, the workers should receive proper training. They should be rehydrated frequently and should occasionally give a break time to change posture and reduce strain. The worker must be provided with appropriate PPE such as helmets, gloves, safety spectacles, a fall arrest system, ear protection, safety shoes, a respiratory mask, etc. Basic first aid training should be mandatory, and first aid facilities must be available on-site [4].

The workers also face significant electrical hazards. While installing or performing maintenance, unexpected energization or startup of equipment can cause electrical shock, making proper lockout/tagout practices essential. Approximately 3 million workers service equipment and face the greatest risk of injury if lockout/tagout is not implemented. [2] Workers are exposed to electric shock and burns when hooking up the solar panels to an electric circuit. Use of Lithium-ion batteries introduces additional hazards due to thermal runaway. Batteries contain flammable electrolyte with stored energy, which causes thermal runaway. [5]This can be initiated by an internal short circuit due to manufacturing defects, mechanical damage to the battery, exposure to excessive heat or cold, and improper charging. The thermal runaway can lead to fire, explosion, and release of toxic gas, leading to a chemical hazard. So, while installing the BESS system, there should be proper ventilation, visual warning devices, and different monitoring and detection tools. [6] Also, the improper disposal of PV panels and batteries can lead to the release of dangerous chemicals into the environment.

In addition to physical and chemical hazards, solar workers also suffer from job instability, underemployment, and the potential for skill deficits as technology advances. This generates psychosocial pressure, heavy workloads, and uncertainty concerns that need to be tackled in conjunction with physical safety [3].

In Nepal, Section 17 of the Labour Act, 2017 includes OHS provisions, which are the major national legislation that outlines the responsibilities of employers, workers, and suppliers to maintain safe working conditions while addressing workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and health risks. The Nepal National Building Code provides the framework with clear safety standards for construction, electrical work, and site operations, which can be used during the installation work of solar PV. Together, they provide guidelines for the solar industry toward safer practices and healthier working environments in Nepal.

Clean energy should also mean safe and healthy energy. The solar industry should lead in terms of sustainability, reliability, and a safe working environment. A strong OHS culture is not just a compliance, but it also protects lives, enhances productivity, and builds trust within the workforce. Recruiting and educating qualified employees, mandating PPE usage, consistently applying safety measures, and fostering a culture that prioritizes OHS will guarantee a genuinely sustainable future. Sustainable development also means safeguarding the individuals who contribute to it.