The obligation
Where people are at risk from excavation work, suitable barriers must separate them from the danger, chosen to suit the nature of the work.
A hoarding is a substantial, fully sheeted fence or screen; a barricade is a temporary fence of rigid vertical and horizontal members. The choice of hoarding, barricade or simple barrier of reflective tape or mesh depends on the work, considering unauthorised entry, falls into the excavation, dropped items, mobile plant movement and loads near the edge. In deep excavations, barriers may need to sit well back from the edge, and hoardings may be required to protect the public.
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- What
- Where people are at risk from excavation work, suitable barriers must separate them from the danger, chosen to suit the nature of the work.
- Source
- safetyline.wa.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Barriers and warning signs around excavations is a WHS requirement set out in Excavation (WA). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA). The relevant provision is Code of Practice — Excavation Work (WA, WHS Act 2020).
What does this WHS obligation require?
Barriers and warning signs around excavations is a WHS obligation under Excavation (WA). In short, Where people are at risk from excavation work, suitable barriers must separate them from the danger, chosen to suit the nature of the work.
What changed recently?
Barriers and warning signs around excavations was last updated on 9 October 2026.
