Security risk guide
Construction site security risk assessment
Protecting a project, and the building it becomes, through every phase.
A construction site security risk assessment identifies the threats to a project during construction, such as theft of materials and plant, unauthorised entry, vandalism, arson, protest and the exposure of sensitive design information, and sets proportionate controls for each phase. Work health and safety laws require construction workplaces to be secured from unauthorised access so far as is reasonably practicable, based on an assessment of the risks. The assessment is also the moment to lock in the security of the finished building.
- The WHS duty to secure a construction workplace starts with an assessment of the risk of unauthorised access, including how likely it is that children will try to get in.
- Fencing is one way to manage the risk, not the only one, and hazards should be isolated where access cannot be prevented.
- Risks change as the project moves from site establishment to structure, fit-out, commissioning and handover, so the assessment should be revisited at each stage.
- Decisions made during construction, such as cable routes, door hardware and control room location, fix the building’s permanent security.
What security obligations apply to a construction site?
Under section 298 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, a construction workplace must be secured from unauthorised access so far as is reasonably practicable. WorkSafe Queensland explains that the business must assess the risks associated with unauthorised access to decide the appropriate level of security, considering how likely unauthorised entry is, for example how close the site is to places frequented by children, and how far access cannot be prevented, so that hazards can be isolated.1 Temporary fencing is one of many ways to manage the risk rather than a requirement in every case.1 Other regulators publish similar guidance.2
Commercial risk sits alongside the legal duty. Theft of copper, tools and plant, damage to finished work, arson and protest can all delay a project and drive up insurance costs.
How does construction security change through a project?
- Site establishment: perimeter, gates, site offices, lighting, laydown areas and the first access control for workers and deliveries.
- Structure: high-value materials and plant on site, more trades, more deliveries and greater height and fall hazards for anyone who gets in.
- Fit-out: expensive fixtures and equipment, and the first permanent services on site.
- Commissioning and handover: permanent security systems come online, keys and access credentials are issued, and responsibility passes to the owner or operator.
A good assessment sets out the controls for each phase in a short security plan or manual, so the site team knows what changes and when.
Why is construction the right time to plan permanent security?
Once walls are closed and ceilings are in, changing the security design is slow and expensive. The construction phase is the last practical point to confirm cable routes for CCTV and access control, door hardware, the location and protection of the security control room, separation of public and secure areas and the principles of crime prevention through environmental design. Agilient’s building security consultants review designs before they are built.
Some projects carry extra obligations. Government, defence and critical infrastructure work may include protective security clauses in the contract, controls on who can see drawings and site plans, and, for critical infrastructure assets, the physical security requirements of the SOCI Act risk management rules covered in the CIRMP physical security playbook.
How Agilient supports construction security
Agilient provides independent security risk assessments for construction projects, from site establishment to handover. Examples include a construction-phase security risk assessment and security and safety manual for a premium CBD office tower and a construction-phase security risk assessment for a new energy generation facility. Agilient does not sell, supply or install security equipment, so its advice reflects the risk rather than a product range.
Other security risk assessment guides: crowded places and events, construction sites, data centres, high-profile homes and the step-by-step security risk assessment process.
Where a site needs cameras before permanent power and network are in place, see the mobile CCTV guide.
Free download
Free security threat and risk assessment template. An editable Word template that follows SA HB 167:2025 and AS ISO 31000:2018, with a threat assessment, a five by five risk matrix, a risk register and a treatment plan.
Starting a project or reviewing a live site?
A short briefing will show what your site needs now and what your finished building needs before the walls close.
Construction site security FAQs
Is fencing mandatory on a construction site?
Who is responsible for construction site security?
When should a construction security risk assessment be done?
What is a construction security manual?
- WorkSafe Queensland, Security of construction sites, worksafe.qld.gov.au
- WorkSafe Tasmania, Security fencing: making construction sites secure against unauthorised access, worksafe.tas.gov.au