Ensure your site is safe and secured

MBA recently met with the ACT Work Health and Safety Commissioner and has been informed that site security and falls from height remain the top non-compliances. The message from the WorkSafe ACT is that compliance with the WHS legislation is not optional and must be always complied with.

Site Security

As the builder, you are deemed to be the person conducting business and undertaking (PCBU) and the person responsible for ensuring that the site is as safe as reasonably practicable to prevent any loss or injury to any person at all times. While there are no works being undertaken, PCBUs should ensure the site is secure to prevent anyone from entering it. Simple tips, such as ensuring your site fencing is secure and locking loose items in the garage or off-site, might be simple yet effective measures to mitigate any risk to you.

Practical ways to ensure that your site is secure include:

• securing access points with locks or other mechanical means to restrict entry
• bracing or securing fencing so it can’t be pushed down or blown over
• blocking gaps under fences and gates
• ensuring electrical safety by turning off the main switch and securing the main switchboard
• bracing and securing partially constructed building elements such as walls and roofs to withstand strong winds and bad weather
• securing or removing roofing sheets and other loose materials that have the potential to turn into missiles in strong winds
• backfilling excavations or covering them
• removing unwanted construction materials and waste