How to Plan for Edge Protection in a Market with Rising Material Costs

Melbourne’s construction industry is grappling with rising material costs, affecting budgets for essential safety measures like edge protection.

Yet, compliance with AS/NZS 4994.1 remains a legal and practical necessity.

Builders need strategies to keep costs under control while maintaining safety and regulatory standards. This guide explores cost-effective solutions that ensure compliance without overspending.

Understanding Material Cost Trends

The cost of construction materials has surged in recent years due to supply chain disruptions, global demand, and local shortages.

Key materials such as steel, aluminium, and timber have seen substantial price fluctuations, impacting edge protection costs.

• Steel: Prices peaked in 2022 but are now stabilising. While this offers some relief, costs remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, requiring builders to find efficiencies in design and procurement.

• Aluminium: Costs surged by 70% in 2024 due to supply shortages but are expected to decline as production expands. This trend makes aluminium a viable alternative if sourced strategically.

• Timber: Supply remains tight, with ongoing shortages driving prices up. Timber’s unpredictable availability makes it a less reliable option for edge protection structures.

Understanding these trends allows builders to make informed choices about materials, ensuring that they plan ahead to avoid sudden price hikes and supply chain disruptions.

Strategies for Cost-Effective Edge Protection

1. Design Optimisation: Reducing Material Use Without Compromising Safety

One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is by optimising edge protection designs.

Traditional systems often use excessive material, leading to unnecessary expenses. Instead, builders should explore modular and collapsible guardrails, which not only reduce material use but also speed up installation.

Freestanding, non-penetrative systems provide another cost-saving measure, particularly for projects where roof penetration must be avoided.

These designs maintain structural integrity while reducing labour and material expenses.

Clip-on systems, for example, have been shown to reduce installation time by 50%, significantly lowering overall project costs.

2. Alternative Materials & Sustainable Solutions

With fluctuating prices, exploring alternative materials is essential. While steel and timber remain common choices, new sustainable options are gaining traction.

• Wood-Plastic Composites (WPCs): These materials offer durability and cost-efficiency, though compliance with AS/NZS 4994.1 can be a challenge. Builders must ensure that alternative materials meet safety standards before adopting them.

• Reusable Edge Protection Systems: While they require a higher upfront investment, these systems reduce long-term costs by eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Over time, reusable systems can save thousands in material and labour expenses.

• Hybrid Approaches: Combining temporary systems in early construction phases with permanent installations later can cut costs by up to 22% for high-rise projects, offering a balanced approach between affordability and compliance.

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3. Procurement & Supplier Relationships

Proactively managing material procurement can provide significant cost savings. Builders who establish long-term contracts with suppliers can lock in stable prices, mitigating the risks of market volatility.

• Bulk purchasing agreements lower per-unit costs, making it easier to plan budgets.

• Fixed-cost models provide price stability, helping builders avoid financial uncertainty.

• Evaluating multiple suppliers ensures competitive pricing and prevents reliance on a single source, reducing supply chain disruptions.

Compliance & Risk Management

Meeting AS/NZS 4994.1 Requirements Without Overspending

Ensuring compliance with AS/NZS 4994.1 is crucial to avoid fines and project delays. Builders must keep up with documentation requirements, including handover certifications that mirror scaffold certification processes.

Systems must also be wind-load compliant (≥3kPa for high-rise applications) and meet WorkSafe Victoria’s strict guidelines.

Non-compliance carries heavy financial risks. WorkSafe Victoria has increased enforcement, issuing fines of up to $92,460 for safety violations.

Failing to meet compliance standards can also result in work stoppages, delaying projects and escalating costs. Investing in certified systems and trained installers prevents these setbacks and ensures smooth project execution.

Avoiding Penalties & Insurance Risks

Beyond regulatory fines, non-compliant builders face increased insurance risks.

Many insurers require edge protection to meet AS/NZS 4994.1 standards, and failure to comply may lead to claim denials in the event of an accident.

Builders should work with providers that offer certification and documentation support, ensuring full compliance with industry standards.

Work With Protected Edge for Efficient and Affordable Edge Protection

Rising material costs present challenges for edge protection planning, but strategic approaches can mitigate financial strain.

By investing in modular and reusable systems, negotiating stable supplier contracts, and integrating sustainable materials, builders can maintain compliance while reducing costs.

Forward-thinking builders will prioritise long-term savings over short-term fixes.

Partnering with edge protection providers, like Protected Edge, who offer certified solutions and expert guidance will ensure projects stay within budget while maintaining the highest safety standards.

For tailored solutions, consulting with an experienced provider can help strike the right balance between affordability and compliance.

Contact Protected Edge today for an obligation free quote for your next job.