Free Construction Site Establishment Checklist | ISOsafe

Establishing a construction site properly is one of the best ways to reduce risk, avoid delays, and stay compliant with NSW Work Health and Safety requirements. ISOsafe’s checklist covers the key steps contractors, builders, and project managers should complete before work begins on site.

1. Confirm project details and approvals

• Verify the site address, scope of works, and principal contractor details.

• Confirm all planning, building, and council approvals are in place before setup begins.

• Check whether the project falls under additional NSW requirements, such as government procurement or principal contractor obligations.

• Make sure copies of approvals, permits, and insurance certificates are available on site.

2. Prepare a WHS management plan

• Develop a Work Health and Safety management plan where required, particularly for higher-value construction projects.

• Include site rules, emergency procedures, consultation arrangements, incident reporting, and contractor management.

• Ensure the plan is accessible to workers, subcontractors, and relevant visitors.

• Review and update the plan if site conditions, work methods, or risks change.

ISOsafe prepare customised WHS Management Plans - Call us for immediate assistance: 1300 789 132

3. Set up site security

• Install secure perimeter fencing or barriers to prevent unauthorised access.

• Place clear warning and entry signage at all access points.

• Display the principal contractor’s name, contact details, and emergency contact information where required.

• Check that the site can be secured after hours, including gates, locks, and stored materials.

4. Arrange site access and traffic control

• Establish safe entry and exit points for workers, deliveries, and plant.

• Separate vehicle movements from pedestrian routes wherever possible.

• Set up traffic management controls if the site affects public roads, footpaths, or shared access areas.

• Use a licensed traffic control provider where required under NSW rules and local conditions.

5. Install essential amenities

• Provide toilets, handwashing facilities, drinking water, and suitable shelter.

• Make sure amenities are clean, accessible, and adequate for the number of workers on site.

• Check that temporary facilities are positioned safely and do not create additional hazards.

• Arrange waste bins and housekeeping controls to keep the site orderly.

6. Confirm worker induction and competency

• Ensure every worker completes a site induction before starting work.

• Check that workers hold a valid White Card where required.

• Verify licences, tickets, and competencies for high-risk activities, plant operation, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, or traffic control.

• Keep records of inductions, licences, and training on file.

7. Prepare SWMS and risk controls

• Complete Safe Work Method Statements for all high-risk construction work.

• Make sure SWMS are site-specific, current, and understood by the workers doing the task.

• Identify hazards such as working at heights, excavation, demolition, electrical work, and mobile plant.

• Confirm control measures are implemented before work starts and reviewed regularly.

ISOsafe prepare customised SWMS - Call us for immediate assistance: 1300 789 132

8. Check plant, equipment, and utilities

• Inspect all plant and equipment before use and confirm maintenance records are up to date.

• Arrange temporary power, water, lighting, and communications as needed.

• Verify that electrical leads, tools, and temporary installations are safe and protected from damage.

• Ensure plant exclusion zones and isolation procedures are in place where required.

9. Manage emergency and incident response

• Provide a site emergency plan with clear procedures for fire, medical incidents, evacuations, and serious injuries.

• Identify first aid kits, fire extinguishers, assembly points, and emergency contact numbers.

• Nominate trained first aid personnel where appropriate.

• Make sure workers know how to report incidents, hazards, and near misses.

10. Control environmental and public impacts

• Put measures in place to manage dust, noise, sediment, runoff, and waste.

• Protect neighbouring properties, pedestrians, and public areas from construction impacts.

• Check whether environmental controls are required by council, state laws, or project conditions.

• Keep the site tidy and remove waste regularly to prevent slips, trips, and complaints.

Before work starts

A properly established construction site is safer, more efficient, and easier to manage from day one. It also helps contractors demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to meet their duties under Australian WHS laws and NSW requirements.

Need Help with Safety onsite? Call ISOsafe 1300 789 132