Site Security: Clean up, pack up and make safe

WorkSafe ACT wants to remind persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) of their work health and safety responsibilities when it comes to site security and general housekeeping ahead of the holiday break.

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, PCBUs must ensure that members of the public are not exposed to risks arising from their workplace. Unauthorised entry to construction sites may expose a person to a number of hazards that, if not controlled, could result in fatalities or serious injuries.

WorkSafe ACT inspectors have issued compliance notices to multiple residential construction sites with swimming pools that have inadequate site security. These pose a significant risk to the ACT community and non-compliance is taken seriously. WorkSafe ACT inspectors will be undertaking targeted visits ahead of Christmas to ensure worksites are safe.

Site Security

Unauthorised visitors and future homeowners (including children) may not be deterred by warning signs or have awareness of the dangers that may be present once they have entered your workplace. Some of these risks can include serious injury from falls, drowning in open excavations or pools, and collapsing material or structures.

The Construction Work Code of Practice 2018 provides guidance for PCBUs on what should be considered when installing a perimeter fence. These include:

  • it should be difficult to gain access under the fence and to scale the fence
  • it should be able to withstand the anticipated loads to which it may be subjected, such as wind forces, persons attempting to scale and vehicle impact loads
  • where a fence consists of discrete panels, the joints should not weaken it and should provide the same level of security as the panels, and
  • gates should not represent a weak point and the closed gate should provide the same level of security.

General Housekeeping

Good housekeeping doesn't just happen. It involves everyone and it's time to get back to the basics. With the unpredictable weather conditions in the Territory, PCBUs must manage risks to health and safety associated with the storage, movement and disposal of construction materials and waste at the workplace before shutting up site for the year.

The Environment and Facilities Code of Practice 2020 provides guidance for PCBUs on what should be considered for general housekeeping. These include:

  • spills on floors should be cleaned up immediately
  • walkways should be kept clear of obstructions
  • work materials should be neatly stored, and
  • waste should be regularly removed.
Notifying WorkSafe ACT

If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, you can report it to WorkSafe ACT by emailing us at worksafe@worksafe.act.gov.au. You can also call us on:

  • Business hours: 13 22 81
  • After hours: 0419 120 028

For further information on notifying WorkSafe ACT, head to our website here.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PLEASE CONTACT 000 IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
Further Information

For more information visit:

On this page