WorkSafe inspection programs aims to address security issues at construction sites

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WorkSafe inspection programs aims to address security issues at construction sites

WorkSafe has commenced a proactive inspection program to deal with security issues at construction sites throughout Western Australia. Inspectors will focus on unauthorised access to plant, equipment, and active work areas, checking whether site operators maintain adequate compliance with current safety obligations.

Program Overview

According to WorkSafe, this inspection program targets randomly-chosen construction sites across urban and regional locations of the State throughout the 2024/25 financial year. Officers will examine risk factors tied to site access, equipment storage, and overall workplace security arrangements.

"There have been incidents in which construction sites have been accessed by unauthorised persons, exposing them to serious hazards," WorkSafe said.

What Inspectors Will Assess

Worksafe's inspectors will assess security measures put in place to keep construction sites protected from unauthorised access. This includes reviewing perimeter fencing, signage, lockable storage for equipment, and other controls designed to restrict entry to hazardous zones.

Routine site inspections will also examine broader compliance requirements, including whether operators have implemented a Security Guard SWMS for construction sites where relevant. Sites lacking documented security arrangements may face increased scrutiny during these visits.

Why Security at Construction Sites Matters

Unsecured sites pose a genuine health and safety risk—not only to unauthorised visitors but to workers who may return to a compromised site containing damaged or tampered equipment. Heavy plant left unattended without proper access controls can also become a target for theft, vandalism, or unsafe interference.

Beyond physical hazards, poor security can trigger broader occupational health consequences, including exposure to unguarded plant, unstable structures, or hazardous materials stored on site. Maintaining strict access controls supports both site safety and long-term operational reliability.

Supporting Compliance on Site

Businesses operating construction sites across Australia should review their current OHS documentation to confirm access restrictions, equipment security, and site inspection routines meet regulatory expectations. Relevant OHS resources include:

• Construction Site Inspection Checklist (6 months–10 years) for tracking long-term compliance obligations.
• Construction Site Inspection Monthly Checklist to support routine equipment and access reviews.
• Construction Management Plans covering broader site safety and OHS obligations.

Businesses can also explore our wider range of Construction & Civil Works safety templates to strengthen compliance across equipment handling, plant operation, and site access procedures.

Related WorkSafe Initiatives

This inspection program follows a similar pattern seen in other jurisdictions across Australia. For example, WorkSafe has previously run a WorkSafe inspection blitz targeting fall hazards in construction sites, while other regulators have launched comparable efforts, including a SafeWork SA campaign addressing unsafe practices in construction work and a SafeWork symposium addressing critical issues in the construction industry.

These combined efforts highlight a consistent national focus on reducing risk, improving compliance, and protecting workplace health across the construction sector.

More Information

For further details on this inspection program, visit the WorkSafe WA website.

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