Ensure construction sites are secured this school holidays

With the school holidays starting next week, NT WorkSafe is urging construction companies to make site security is a top priority to prevent children from accessing unfinished or unattended worksites.

Unsecured sites can be a magnet for curious children who may not understand the dangers at the worksite.
Construction companies should:

• Secure fencing and lock gates to prevent unauthorised access.
• Isolate power and secure plant and machinery so they can’t be operated.
• Remove or secure all dangerous goods or hazardous chemicals.
• Protect trenches and excavations either by covering, backfilling or restricting access.
• Restrict access to elevated areas, scaffolds, ladders, and cover voids.
• Display clear signage including after-hours emergency contact details.

With the Top End already experiencing a cyclone in the first month of the cyclone season, all worksites should be secured in the event of further weather events.

As a reminder:

• Remove or secure loose equipment such as ladders and power tools.
• Secure shoring and formwork.
• Brace temporary or unfinished structures to prevent collapse in strong winds
  • all scaffold planks should be secured against uplift during cyclone season.
• Clean up debris and other material that could become a missile in a severe weather event.

A properly secured site does more than protect assets and ongoing work; it safeguards individuals, lowers your risk of liability, and ensures you comply with regulations. By addressing these measures now, you can enjoy your time off with confidence, knowing your site is prepared to face the season’s weather.

Members of the public who have concerns about unsecured construction sites can contact NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115 or submit an online safety concern via our website.