NIG/General/TBT-NIG-010

Security and Personal Safety at Night

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Night workers on construction sites face increased personal security risks from trespass and confrontation.
Reduced staffing levels at night mean fewer people are available to assist in an emergency.
Construction sites attract theft of plant, materials, and fuel, particularly during night hours.
Lone workers at night are especially vulnerable and must have communication and check-in procedures.
Adequate site lighting deters unauthorised access and helps workers move safely around the site.
Site perimeter security including fencing, gates, and CCTV should be checked at the start of each night shift.
Violence and aggression towards night workers is a recognised occupational hazard requiring risk assessment.
Emergency procedures must be clearly understood including how to summon help and where to muster.
Workers should avoid confronting intruders directly — the priority is to alert security or police.
Personal safety training covering conflict avoidance and de-escalation is recommended for night crews.

Personal safety	Night workers face higher risk of confrontation, violence, and isolation during security-related incidents.
Theft prevention	Construction site theft costs the industry hundreds of millions annually and often occurs at night.
Emergency response	Reduced staffing at night means emergency response is slower — good procedures compensate for fewer people.

Don't

Check site perimeter security, fencing, and gates at the start of each night shift
Ensure adequate site lighting covers access routes, storage areas, and work zones
Carry a charged mobile phone or radio for communication at all times
Follow the lone worker check-in procedure if working alone on site at night
Know the emergency contact numbers and muster point for your night shift
Report any signs of trespass, theft, or suspicious activity to the site manager
Lock plant cabs, stores, and fuel tanks before leaving them unattended
Avoid confronting intruders — withdraw to a safe location and call for help
Park your personal vehicle in a well-lit area close to the site entrance
Attend personal safety training covering conflict avoidance and de-escalation

DON'T work alone at night without a lone worker procedure and check-in system
DON'T confront trespassers or suspected thieves — call security or police instead
DON'T leave plant keys in machines or stores unlocked during night hours
DON'T prop open site gates or disable security measures for convenience
DON'T walk through poorly lit areas of the site without a torch or headlamp
DON'T ignore unfamiliar vehicles or people on site during the night shift
DON'T assume someone else has checked the perimeter — verify it yourself
DON'T leave fuel bowsers unlocked or accessible to unauthorised persons
DON'T wear headphones while on night duty — you need to hear your surroundings
DON'T delay reporting security incidents — early intervention limits loss and risk

See also: Night Working Safety Awareness | Lone Working at Night

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