Every year SafeWork NSW Inspectors attend serious
or fatal incidents at residential construction sites
involving poor site security or housekeeping issues.
These issues might seem minor,
but they can make all the difference between a ‘safe site’ or a tragedy.
In one incident,
an 11-year-old child was injured after climbing onto the roof of an unsecured site
and fell through a polycarbonate roofing sheet.
If you manage a residential construction site,
you must keep people safe.
Having no security, or a poorly secured construction site
exposes workers and others to the risk of serious injury or death.
Unsecured sites are more likely to have materials and tools stolen or be vandalised.
They also also pose a significant hazard to people who enter the site unauthorised.
Principal Contractors must reduce and manage the risk of unauthorised access to their construction site
to ensure the safety of workers and others.
Before any works start on-site,
there are three important steps to undertake.
Firstly, install site fencing made from chain link fencing fabric,
weldmesh or other infill materials,
at least 1.8m high around the perimeter of your site
to prevent unauthorised access.
The fence panels must be securely clamped with brackets.
Tie wire or cable ties should not be used as these deteriorate and break.
Make sure there are no gaps or missing panels
to prevent a child crawling under or through the fence.
A chain and a lock must always be fitted at the gate
and locked when unattended.
The fence must be constructed securely
with suitable baseplates and bracing
to prevent collapse in high winds or on uneven ground.
Secondly, install signage at the entrance point to your site.
The signage must be legible
and include the nominated Principal Contractor’s name,
a contact person’s name,
and a phone number that is contactable 24/7.
And thirdly,
provide and maintain adequate and accessible amenities including,
drinking water and eating facilities,
as well as enough toilets and hand washing facilities
to cater for the number of workers on site.
It is the Principal Contractor’s responsibility to ensure their site is being maintained
and is kept safe and secured when unattended.
Make sure:
• the site, or hazardous work areas, are always secured
when the site is unattended and before leaving each day
• there are no missing fence panels or clamps
that might allow easy unauthorised access
• site signage is still legible
with up-to-date contact information
• site toilets are regularly cleaned,
emptied and soap and paper are replenished
• drinking water is available
and eating facilities are kept clean,
• and building waste and materials are kept to a minimum
to prevent trip hazards and safety issues.
Your site must be secure and have amenities
during the entire construction.
The site fencing should only be removed once all work is complete
and there is no risk to the general public.
Site amenities including toilets and eating amenities
should only be removed
when there are no further works required on site.
Every worker has a right to work in a safe
and risk-free environment
and has a right and an obligation to stop work
if they feel it is unsafe.