Product Overview

Summary: This Site Security and Trespasser Prevention SOP sets out clear, practical measures to protect people, property and information on Australian workplaces. It provides a structured approach to controlling site access, managing after-hours security and responding to unauthorised persons, helping you meet your WHS duties while reducing the risk of theft, vandalism and violent incidents.

Australian workplaces are increasingly exposed to security-related risks such as unauthorised entry, theft, vandalism, protest activity and aggressive behaviour from members of the public. These incidents do more than damage property – they can place workers and contractors in direct physical danger and expose businesses to serious WHS, insurance and reputational consequences. This Site Security and Trespasser Prevention Safe Operating Procedure gives you a robust, repeatable framework for controlling who enters your site, how they are managed while on site, and what to do when things go wrong.

The SOP translates legal duties under WHS and security-related legislation into clear on-the-ground practices: from perimeter controls, lock-up routines and visitor sign‑in processes through to lone worker considerations, high‑risk areas, CCTV usage and incident escalation pathways. It helps organisations of all sizes – from construction sites and warehouses to councils, schools and offices – to demonstrate due diligence, support insurance requirements and provide workers with confidence that security threats are anticipated and managed. By implementing this procedure, you reduce ad‑hoc decision making, ensure consistent responses to trespassers and aggressive persons, and create a safer, more controlled environment for everyone who comes onto your site.

Key Benefits

• Strengthen site access control and reduce the likelihood of trespass, theft and vandalism.
• Ensure a consistent, legally defensible response to unauthorised persons and security incidents.
• Protect workers, contractors and visitors from violence, harassment and other security-related harm.
• Support compliance with WHS duties, insurance conditions and client security expectations.
• Standardise training for supervisors and security personnel with clear, step-by-step procedures.

Who is this for?

• Business Owners and Directors
• Site Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Facilities Managers
• Security Managers
• Warehouse and Depot Managers
• Operations Managers
• School and Campus Managers
• Event Managers
• Local Government Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Unauthorised entry by trespassers or members of the public
• Violence and aggression towards workers, including verbal threats and physical assault
• Armed or dangerous intruders on site
• Theft or sabotage of tools, plant, materials and confidential information
• Damage to safety-critical infrastructure such as scaffolds, barriers or electrical installations
• After-hours break-ins and unlawful occupation of the site
• Exposure of lone workers to heightened security risks
• Psychological harm arising from security incidents or threatening behaviour
• Vehicle-related incidents involving unauthorised access to yards, depots or loading docks

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Trespasser, Visitor, Contractor, Workplace Violence, Restricted Area)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Managers, Workers, Security Providers)
• 4.0 Site Security Risk Assessment and Planning
• 5.0 Access Control Measures (Perimeter, Gates, Keys, Electronic Access, ID Badges)
• 6.0 Visitor, Contractor and Delivery Management Procedures
• 7.0 After-Hours Security and Lock-up Procedures
• 8.0 Management of Restricted and High-Risk Areas
• 9.0 Trespasser Identification and Initial Response Protocols
• 10.0 Managing Aggressive, Threatening or Armed Persons (Personal Safety First)
• 11.0 Use of Security Systems (CCTV, Lighting, Alarms and Monitoring Services)
• 12.0 Lone Worker and Remote Area Security Controls
• 13.0 Incident Reporting, Escalation and Notifiable Incident Considerations
• 14.0 Coordination with Police, Emergency Services and Security Contractors
• 15.0 Information Management, Privacy and Evidence Preservation
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 17.0 Inspection, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Site Security Controls
• 18.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and state and territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence and Aggression in Health and Community Care (guidance, relevant principles for all workplaces)
• Safe Work Australia – Work-related psychological health and safety: A systematic approach to meeting your duties
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (for CCTV and access records)
• Local state and territory Crimes Acts and Summary Offences legislation relating to trespass and property damage