Master Builders urges you to exercise an extra measure of caution this season, paying special attention to security as you prepare to close your work site for the Christmas break.

Unauthorised access to work sites can lead to property damage, but also unnecessary injuries, particularly among children for whom the lure of unattended construction equipment is hard to resist.

Victorian WorkCover Authority Manager of Construction Practices Allan Beacom encourages the astute use of boundary fencing, and the securing of all points of entry to a work site prior to holiday closure.

“Kids are inquisitive…good security will prevent them making their way onto a construction site and injuring themselves,” Mr Beacom said. “Chemicals and potentially harmful substances should also be removed from the site.”

Electrical safety, too, should be addressed, he said, “by ensuring the main switch to the temporary [power] supply is turned off and the meter board is locked. It’s also important to ensure partially constructed building elements such as walls or roofs are braced and secured from unexpected strong winds and bad weather. Uninstalled roofing and other loose materials have the potential to turn into missiles if not stored and secured correctly.”

Master Builders reminds members they are entitled to free safety audits from Master Builders’ OHS unit as one of the many benefits of membership. If you have any questions about preparing your work site for extended closure, please contact Master Builders at (03) 9411 4555.