Bushfire risk in Australia is at its peak in January, but mitigating the damage on construction sites may not be front of mind for busy contractors keeping tight schedules
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) has struggled to meet its hazard reduction targets in recent years. Due to above-average rainfall, only 40 per cent of planned hazard reduction burns were completed ahead of the 2024 season, leaving many areas vulnerable.
Research from CSIRO reinforces the urgency, showing that expanding communities are increasingly encroaching into bushfire-risk zones.
PlanRadar – a digital SaaS platform for project documentation, communication and reporting – says that construction companies need to put greater consideration on how to manage the risk of bushfires on their sites.
“With construction growing in high-risk areas, fire safety measures are more important than ever,” PlanRadar Australia Australia and New Zealand regional lead Leon Ward says.
“Builders and developers must prioritise strategies to reduce fire risks, protect workers, and keep the public safe, minimising hazards during this critical time.”
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Construction sites in bushfire-prone zones face unique risks, exacerbated by fluctuating weather conditions, high winds and extreme temperatures. These sites are particularly vulnerable because of unfinished or temporary structures, which increase the likelihood of fire damage and tight project schedules that can deprioritise fire prevention planning.
The dynamic nature of bushfire risks requires quick and adaptive safety measures.
Embedding fire safety protocols at every stage – from planning to execution – is critical, PlanRadar says. Regular fire safety audits, compliance checks and ongoing reviews of safety measures are non-negotiable for mitigating risks during this volatile season.
As bushfire risks escalate, digital tools are playing a critical role in improving fire safety management on construction sites.
“Partnerships between technology providers, like PlanRadar and the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA), can play a key role in improving fire safety on construction sites,” Ward says.
“It’s a proactive approach to mitigating the escalating threats posed by bushfires, ensuring that fire safety is not an afterthought but an integral part of the project management lifecycle.”
Real-time communication tools provide immediate updates on fire risks and safety protocols to all stakeholders.
Compliance management features streamline fire safety audits and regulatory reporting, ensuring teams meet Australian standards.
Remote site monitoring reduces the need for on-site personnel during high-risk periods, keeping teams informed while minimising exposure.
Centralised documentation ensures critical fire safety records are always accessible for audits, risk assessments, and insurance purposes.
By embedding fire safety measures into every stage of a construction project, companies can: protect workers and assets by reducing the risk of fire-related incidents; minimise disruptions caused by fires; ensure compliance with regulations; and improve resilience to the impacts of bushfires.
“Construction companies need to adopt these strategies and technologies now to stay ahead of the growing climate threat,” Ward says.
“By taking action, they can protect their workforce, projects, and bottom line – and ensure the industry is ready for future challenges.”