Product Overview

Summary: This Site Security Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps to protect people, property and information on Australian worksites and business premises. It provides a consistent, defensible framework for managing access, monitoring activity and responding to security incidents in line with WHS obligations and duty of care requirements.

Unauthorised access, theft, vandalism and aggressive behaviour are not just security issues – they are WHS risks that can result in serious harm to workers, contractors and visitors. This Site Security Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to planning, implementing and monitoring site security controls for Australian workplaces, from small offices and warehouses through to large construction and industrial sites. It links security measures directly to your WHS risk management framework so that physical, psychological and property risks are managed in a coordinated way.

The procedure covers how to assess site‑specific security risks, set up access control and sign‑in systems, manage keys and electronic passes, secure high‑risk areas and assets, and integrate CCTV and lighting with everyday operations. It also details protocols for managing visitors and contractors, dealing with suspicious behaviour, responding to security breaches and coordinating with emergency services and law enforcement when required. By adopting this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of incidents, and provide clear guidance to workers so that security responsibilities are understood and consistently applied across all shifts and locations.

Key Benefits

• Strengthen protection of workers, visitors and contractors by integrating security controls into your WHS risk management system.
• Reduce incidents of unauthorised access, theft, vandalism and aggression through clear access control and monitoring procedures.
• Standardise how staff, contractors and security providers manage site entry, keys, passes and after‑hours access.
• Improve incident readiness and response with predefined steps for managing security breaches, threats and escalations.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and duty of care obligations through documented, auditable security practices.

Who is this for?

• Business Owners
• Site Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• WHS Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Security Managers
• Security Officers and Guards
• Warehouse Managers
• Office Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)

Hazards Addressed

• Unauthorised access to site and restricted areas
• Aggressive or violent behaviour towards workers or visitors
• Theft or tampering with plant, equipment and hazardous substances
• Sabotage or deliberate damage to critical infrastructure
• After‑hours lone work and associated personal safety risks
• Psychosocial risks arising from threats, stalking or harassment
• Loss or compromise of sensitive information and records
• Slip, trip and fall hazards associated with forced entry or vandalism damage

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Legislation and Definitions
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Managers, Workers, Security Providers)
• 4.0 Site Security Risk Assessment and Planning
• 5.0 Access Control and Entry Management
• 6.0 Visitor, Client and Contractor Management
• 7.0 Key, Card and Credential Management
• 8.0 Physical Security Measures (Fencing, Gates, Doors, Locks, Lighting, CCTV)
• 9.0 Protection of High‑Risk Areas, Assets and Information
• 10.0 After‑Hours, Remote and Lone Worker Security Procedures
• 11.0 Cash Handling and Valuable Goods Security (if applicable)
• 12.0 Security Incident Reporting, Response and Escalation
• 13.0 Coordination with Emergency Services and Law Enforcement
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 15.0 Monitoring, Auditing and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Document Control and Record Keeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Workplace Violence and Aggression in Health and Community Care (as guidance on security-related aggression)
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 2201 series: Intruder alarm systems (as applicable to electronic security measures)