Product Overview

Summary: This Site Preparation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step process for making construction and project sites safe, compliant, and ready for work. It helps Australian businesses control WHS risks from day one, ensuring every site is assessed, secured, and documented before tools or machinery are put to use.

Poorly prepared sites are one of the leading causes of incidents, delays and cost overruns in Australian projects. This Site Preparation Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable approach to assessing and preparing any work area before construction, maintenance or installation activities commence. It guides your team through pre-start inspections, hazard identification, isolation of services, traffic and pedestrian management, environmental controls, and site security so that work begins on a safe, compliant and well-organised footing.

Developed with Australian WHS legislation and common construction practices in mind, this SOP helps you demonstrate due diligence and a clear system of work from the earliest phase of your project. By standardising how site preparation is planned, documented and executed, it reduces the risk of injuries, near misses, rework and regulatory scrutiny. Whether you are mobilising a greenfield construction site, setting up a temporary work zone in an operating facility, or preparing a small maintenance area, this procedure ensures the same high standard of safety and control is consistently applied.

Key Benefits

• Ensure every new or changing work area is systematically assessed and made safe before work starts.
• Reduce the likelihood of incidents caused by unmarked hazards, live services, unstable ground or poor traffic control.
• Standardise site establishment practices across crews, subcontractors and locations, improving consistency and quality.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS duties through clear, documented pre-start checks and controls.
• Streamline project mobilisation by clarifying responsibilities, required permits, and site-ready criteria.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers
• Civil Construction Forepersons
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Principal Contractors
• Safety Advisors and Coordinators
• Operations Managers
• Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Unidentified underground or overhead services (electricity, gas, water, communications)
• Uneven, unstable or contaminated ground conditions
• Uncontrolled vehicle and plant movements in and around the site
• Falls from height due to unprotected edges, openings or incomplete structures
• Slips, trips and falls from debris, poor housekeeping or inadequate lighting
• Exposure to noise, dust, fumes or other airborne contaminants during early works
• Unauthorised access to the site by the public or uninducted workers
• Environmental hazards such as erosion, sediment run-off and spill risks
• Weather-related risks including heat stress, storms and high winds during setup

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Principal Contractor, Site Supervisor, Workers, Subcontractors)
• 4.0 Pre-Start Planning and Documentation Requirements
• 5.0 Site Access, Security and Induction Arrangements
• 6.0 Service Location, Isolation and Permit Requirements
• 7.0 Ground Conditions, Excavation and Stability Assessment
• 8.0 Traffic and Pedestrian Management Setup
• 9.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Measures
• 10.0 Environmental Protection Measures (erosion, sediment, dust, noise, waste)
• 11.0 Site Layout, Material Storage and Amenities Setup
• 12.0 Emergency Preparedness and Access (egress routes, assembly areas, emergency contacts)
• 13.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements for Site Establishment
• 14.0 Inspection, Handover and Site Readiness Sign-off
• 15.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Austroads Guides and local road authority requirements for temporary traffic management (where applicable)