The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has made the call due to the risk of children suffering injury or death on building sites.

While such instances are rare, the HSE is calling on construction firms to do what they can to keep child trespassers at bay.

This includes erecting a perimeter fence of hoarding, inspecting this regularly to ensure there are no gaps, covering off any excavations or pits and isolating and immobilising vehicles and plant where possible.

•   The Finance Professional Show 2025: The Video
•   Firm fined nearly £80,000 after scaffolder fall
•   Construction firm fined over 'death trap' site fatality

In addition, it is advised to store building materials securely, lock away hazardous substances and remove access ladders from excavations and scaffolds.

“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,” said Mike Thomas, head of the construction sector at the HSE.

“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.”