PRESS RELEASE: Buildsafe launches next-generation Walkway Board system to redefine construction site safety

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 20th November 2025
HEADLINE: Buildsafe launches next-generation Walkway Board system to redefine construction site safety

Gold Coast, QLD – Leading construction safety company Buildsafe has announced the launch of its next-generation Walkway Board system, a major innovation set to transform how residential builders protect roofs and manage on-site safety across Australia.

The new system builds a solution first introduced four years ago to address one of the building industry’s most persistent challenges; roof damage caused by trade access during multi-storey construction.
For Buildsafe CEO Mike Shipton, the Walkway Board system solves an issue that’s been impacting the construction industry for decades – the need to provide trades access during builds, while also changing onsite behaviour to improve safety.

“Builders have been dealing with the same problem for decades,” said Mr Shipton.
“Once the roof goes on, it becomes a finished surface – but other trades still need to cross it. That’s where damage occurs, the Walkway Board was born out of that need; to protect the roof itself, along with the people working on it.”

Buildsafe’s Walkway Boards sit directly on the roof surface, creating a safe, load-bearing pathway that allows trades to move across the roof without causing damage to tiles or metal sheeting.
The boards feature a durable composite surface with a foam-like underside that absorbs impact and prevents scuffing and denting; dramatically reducing repair costs and handover delays for builders.
Since their launch, the Walkway Boards have been rapidly adopted by some of Australia’s largest volume builders, including Metricon, Henley, Brighton Homes, and Simonds.
According to Mr Shipton, the system is now considered a best-practice measure for roof protection across multiple regions.

“Some builders use the boards on every lower roof, while others install them at the discretion of their supervisors,” Mr Shipton said.
“But the trend is clear, we’re seeing Walkway Boards move from being an optional safeguard to an essential part of construction planning – setting a new standard for roof protection
The newly launched guided walkway system represents the next evolution of the product; providing a next-generation innovation: the guided walkway system
Rather than adding barriers, the system uses visual and structural cues to guide trades to stay on protected surfaces helping to correct site behaviour and improve compliance naturally.
“It’s a bigger leap than moving from timber to plastic,” Shipton explained.

“We’re using design to influence behaviour. The guides subtly show where it’s safe to walk, keeping trades focused on the right areas without restricting their movement, it’s about helping people work smarter and safer.”
Developed in close collaboration with builders over the past 12 months, the guided system has been extensively tested and is now ready for rollout, with several major clients lined up for early implementation.
While Buildsafe is widely recognised for its edge protection and scaffolding systems, the company continues to push boundaries through product design and operational innovation.
“People often see Buildsafe as a scaffolding company,” said Shipton.

“But under the surface, we’re a highly evolved operational system – constantly challenging how construction can be done better. The Walkway Board project is a perfect example of that thinking and our goal to drive safety and profitability through innovation.”

With an established national network, Buildsafe is uniquely positioned to deliver and scale the new system quickly across Australia’s residential construction sites.
“Our role is to help builders protect their profits and improve their efficiency,” Shipton added.

“The Walkway Boards do both, preventing damage and helping supervisors manage more effectively. It’s a win for safety and a win for the bottom line.”

About Buildsafe

With a reputation for innovation, reliability and worker protection Buildsafe offers superior safety solutions, where you can be sure of a compliant build from the outset. From our specially designed and engineered products right through to our responsive operations team, we have every stage of your build covered.

With a footprint covering much of Australia’s east coast, Buildsafe works very closely with those in the construction industry to provide safety solutions to everyone, from owner builders to major site developers; we have all your safety needs covered.

For more information, visit buildsafe.net.au.
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