A fence tightening device is disclosed, which can be used to tighten various types of fences, including but not limited to silt fences. The fence tightening device comprises a body component that is configured in a pitchfork shape with three prongs and a handle component. A chain is attached to the handle component, which allows the device to be secured to the fence and maintain optimal tension. The device functions by inserting the body component through the fence, enabling the device to create tension around the fence posts. The device provides an efficient way to tighten fences without the need for machinery.

A slide saddle (10, 110) for use with a tension board (20, 120) of substantially constant transverse cross-sectional shape for straining mesh style fencing materials is disclosed. The slide saddle comprises a hollow body having an interior shape arranged to slidingly engage the tension board cross-sectional shape, a connector (17, 18) on the body shaped to connect with a wire gripper (25) corresponding to each of the slide saddles (10, 110), and a releasable detent (28) sized to releasably engage with one of a plurality of spaced apart apertures (143) extending along the tension board. A tension board (120) and a method of adjusting the position of the slide saddles on the tension board, are also disclosed.

A safety fence comprising a first and a second post. An upper rail is securable to upright members of the first post and the second post in a horizontally orientation. A mesh has an upper end slidably coupled to the upper rail. The mesh has a retracted configuration where it is collapsed and retained next to the first post, and a deployed configuration where it is extended between the first and second posts in a taut configuration. At least one tensioning member has a first end fixed to the first post and is releasably securable to the second post such that the tensioning member may be tensioned between the first and second posts. The tensioning member, when tensioned between the first and second posts with the mesh in its deployed configuration, provides horizontal load support to the mesh.