As schools across the UK prepare to break up for the summer holidays, construction companies are being urged to take additional precautions to prevent children from gaining access to potentially dangerous building sites.
Construction companies reminded of duty to protect children during school holidays
The warning comes from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is reminding contractors, developers and site managers that construction sites can present serious risks to curious children, particularly during periods when they have more free time and are spending longer outdoors.
While incidents involving children entering construction sites remain relatively rare, there have been tragic cases where young people have suffered serious injuries or lost their lives after accessing unsecured sites.
The HSE is calling on the construction industry to review site security arrangements and ensure appropriate measures are in place throughout the school holiday period.
Key safety measures for construction sites
The regulator has highlighted several practical steps that construction companies should take to reduce the risk of unauthorised access:
- Install suitable perimeter fencing or secure hoarding around sites.
- Carry out regular inspections to ensure fencing remains effective and in good condition.
- Secure all access points when work finishes each day.
- Cover or barrier off excavations, trenches and pits.
- Isolate and immobilise plant machinery and vehicles, storing them in secure compounds where possible.
- Store materials such as pipes, manhole rings and cement products safely to prevent movement or collapse.
- Remove ladders from excavations and scaffolding structures.
- Securely lock away hazardous substances and dangerous equipment.
These precautions are particularly important in residential areas where construction activity may be located close to schools, parks and housing developments.
The Workers Union welcomes renewed focus on safety
The Workers Union welcomes the HSE’s reminder and believes construction site security should remain a year-round priority.
Construction sites contain numerous hazards, including heavy machinery, excavations, unstable materials, working at height risks and potentially dangerous substances. Even a brief unauthorised visit can expose children to life-changing injuries.
Jonathan Morgan of The Workers Union said:
“Construction workers in the UK work incredibly hard to build and improve our communities, but every site must also consider the wider safety of the public. During the school holidays, children naturally become more adventurous and curious. Simple measures such as secure fencing, locked gates and proper site inspections can make all the difference in preventing a tragedy.
We encourage employers and site managers to review their arrangements now and ensure every reasonable step has been taken to protect children from harm.”
HSE issues clear reminder to site managers
HSE Inspector Mike Thomas emphasised the importance of maintaining effective site security throughout the summer period.
He said:
“Construction site managers should check their sites are secure, and in areas where children live and play, they should remain vigilant and ensure that the risks to children are properly controlled.
Construction sites are places of work and contain numerous hazards, all of which can pose a dangerous threat to anyone entering without permission. Clients and contractors must ensure that unauthorised access onto sites is prevented, both during and outside working hours.”
Why this matters
School holidays often lead to increased outdoor activity among children and teenagers. Unsecured construction sites can appear attractive places to explore, climb or play, particularly when machinery, scaffolding and partially completed structures are present.
For employers, site security is not only a legal obligation but an essential part of protecting local communities and preventing avoidable accidents.
As summer approaches, construction businesses are being encouraged to review their risk assessments, inspect perimeter security and ensure robust controls remain in place to keep children safe.
