Security fencing regulations for Brisbane construction sites

For Brisbane contractors that are working on construction projects, renovations, demolition or extensions, it's critical to have a secure perimeter fence around your work site. Not only does this vastly increase the safety and security of the site itself, but it ensures you comply with WorkCover Queensland’s Workplace Health and Safety Regulations.

Section 298 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 outlines the requirements for security of a workplace where construction work is taking place. It states that you “must assess the risks associated with unauthorised access in order to identify an appropriate level of security” – however in general, a temporary fence that is correctly installed and locked is likely to address the risk for the majority of Brisbane work sites.

Temporary fencing is just one of many ways you could manage the risk of unauthorised access to workplaces where construction work is happening. It’s important to weigh up all the risks at your particular site and seek advice from your local Workplace Safety authority, Council and WHS representative.

Potential risks for Brisbane businesses: what can happen if someone accesses your site?

Vandalism and theft are the most common risks to business owners in Brisbane’s construction industry. It goes without saying that these issues can cause major headaches for business owners and site managers, who are busy enough without the hassles of costly repairs, replacement of windows or other supplies, removal of graffiti or replacing stolen items and tools.

In addition to theft and vandalism, there can be issues if someone is injured when accessing your site, whether legally or illegally.

Also, if the site is not properly contained, delivery drivers, subcontractors and other trades may unintentionally access the site from the wrong entry points. This can lead to increased risk of injury if there are areas on site that have trip hazards, pits, trenches and other issues.

A temporary fence around the building site ensures visitors are funnelled into proper entry points, allowing for safe access.

Using temporary fencing for pits and drop offs

As well as securing the perimeter of the work site, it’s important to fence off any other potential hazards on site. Whenever construction activities are taking place, there can often be excavations or confined spaces on site such as open trenches, utility pits, pier holes or lift wells. These present a risk of falls and injury if they are not adequately fenced.

In order to isolate these hazards within the workplace, a temporary fence may be suitable, however depending on your individual situation, it may be better to use a product like an edge protection fence. These are more solid and strong and can prevent falls and dropped tools.

How can Jaybro help?

Jaybro serves civil infrastructure and construction contractors all over Brisbane, and our Eagle Farm warehouse is always fully stocked and ready for dispatch at a minute’s notice.

We can help keep your site safe, secure and compliant with regulations. If you are a civil or infrastructure contractor, builder, construction professional, landscaper, government agency or utility supplier, contact Jaybro for a fast quote on temporary fencing to help secure your Brisbane job site.

We deliver throughout Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, as well as to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, up into Mackay, Central and North Queensland and down into Northern NSW.

Plus, Jaybro has a network of warehouses across the country so if you have multiple jobs spread across different locations, we’re never far away and can deliver to you, fast!

Section 298 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 - Security of Workplace

• A person with management or control of a workplace at which construction work is carried out must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace is secured from unauthorised access.