Link copied!

A common question we hear is, “Do I need to fence my worksite?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. Every worksite is different, and you need to think about a few key factors to get it right.

If you’re responsible for the site, it’s up to you to manage risks. A fence can help keep hazards separate from the public, but how do you know if you need one?

Ask yourself:

• Are there pedestrians nearby?
• Is there a car park close to the site?
• How close are neighboring buildings?
• Are there other worksites or recreational areas nearby?
• Is there a school or childcare center close by?
• Are there homes in the area?
• What hazards are on-site, and how long will they be there?
• How accessible and visible is the site?

When deciding to fence your worksite, consider the risk factors mentioned above. If any of these are present, a fence should be used. In some cases, you may only need to enclose specific hazards when workers are not present eg. overnight

A proper worksite fence should:

• Be at least 2 meters high on any side accessible to the public.
• Have no openings other than for authorized access or viewing.
• Be made of galvanized chain-link netting (see the image below for correct sizing).
• Have posts spaced no more than 2.5 meters apart.
• Have a gap no larger than 100 mm between the bottom of the fence and the ground.

These standards ensure the fence is strong, secure, and meets general safety requirements.

Excavations

If you have excavations on-site it’s important to think about how long the excavation will remain exposed. If the excavation is going to be left unattended overnight, you should consider:

• Covering it with plating
• Fully enclose it with a safety fence
• Backfilling it to remove the hazard

Simple barricades, cones, plastic mesh netting without a solid frame, and hurdles are not enough to protect against excavation hazards. A proper safety fence is the best choice for long-term or unattended worksites with excavation risks.

Remember, when you’re away from your worksite, it’s important to protect people from hazards they might not be aware of. Simply putting up a sign is not enough.  Blocking access and protecting everyone from excavation dangers shows that you’re effectively managing the risks.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call HazardCo on 0800 555 339. For more information, you can also refer to the WorkSafe NZ Excavations Good Practice Guidelines