Victorian building sites need to be well secured before the annual Christmas/New Year shutdown, WorkSafe warns.

“Unless children are physically prevented from gaining access, they’re at risk of injury or death,” General Manager of Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger said.

“While they should not be there, a fall from height, treading on nails, cutting themselves on scrap metal or another injury can lead to a WorkSafe investigation or legal action by the child or their parents.

“At this time of year when people are rushing to finish work before a Christmas closure it’s easy for site security to be forgotten.

“However, children can view building sites as an adventure playground, and the reality is that no one will thank you when the fun turns to trauma, Ms Sturzenegger said.

“We’ve been lucky in Victoria that WorkSafe is not aware of serious injuries in recent years arising from children being hurt on building sites, but they have happened elsewhere and we know the risks exist.”

Ms Sturzenegger said ensuring site security reduced access to vandals who could ruin months of work or steal materials.

“This will delay the project for the prospective resident, add to the overall cost and reduce the profitability for the builder.”