7 Measures to Protect Your Construction Site
Your construction company should include security systems in your project plans and install them at every construction site. Construction sites tend to be in heavily trafficked public areas that are easily observed; thieves are also more sophisticated, some using drones to scout sites.. Throughout the construction project, sites have valuable items that are attractive to burglars. As the structure is built, more resources arrive giving burglars more resources to steal. Using layers of security from the street to the structure, increases protection and decreases risk of theft.
Workers bear the brunt of poor security: one in four workers have been left out of pocket, after having to replace stolen tools, and say being robbed is their “biggest fear.” However, security is seen as a “low priority” on sites they work on (30%).
These 7 security measures give your construction site a layered foundational security system. Make sure your crew and sub-contractors maintain security protocols to keep your site as secure as possible.
1. Fencing
Safety and security starts from the street: fencing keeps people out of your site and reduces safety issues. Caution and safety requirement signage add another layer of keeping people safe and your site secure. Along with the myriad of other permits you probably need, there may be regulations for fencing depending on whether you are building in a commercial or residential area.
Fencing provides a vital first line-of-defense security measure for any construction site because an unprotected site is an invitation for a burglar, vandal or other trespasser. And, fencing protects your construction company from liability should an injury occur while they are unlawfully trespassing.
Points about fences to keep in mind: install a fence high enough to deter people climbing over it; make sure it’s square to the ground to not allow access from underneath. The fencing should hold up against strong wind and other strong weather conditions. Fence joints should be securely connected and gates should be outfitted with industrial locks.
2. Locks
Locking your site is a basic part of any construction site. Choose high-quality locks to decrease overall site vulnerabilities. Besides traditional locks, incorporating keycards or other advanced locking systems and access control systems keep your site and materials secure from unauthorized people.
3. Floodlights and Motion-Activated Lights
Placing floodlights around the perimeter of your property, at entryways and other darker, less visible areas of your site is critical for security, especially at larger sites. Floodlights are brighter and illuminate a larger area. Strategically place floodlights around the site perimeter so that they ideally overlap each other, lighting up every entryway and possible hidden areas and blind spots. Place bright floodlights in areas where equipment and/or material is stored to decrease risk of theft.
Another kind of light to consider and/or pair with floodlights are motion-activated lights floodlights. Motion-activated floodlights, or lights place in specific areas are energy efficient and provide a signal to intruders that you are monitoring your construction site. If they have found a vulnerability, startled burglars likely to leave once the lights go on. Good security lighting creates an unattractive target to thieves.
4. Surveillance Cameras
Since you can’t be at your construction site 24/7, video surveillance is a given to monitor construction security. Choose cameras and equipment that is weatherproof and place them in places that are difficult to get to, ensuring their safety. Security cameras are deterrents to unwanted intruders and criminals. Installing high-quality cameras with flood- or spotlights captures better footage should you need it, helping law enforcement investigate crime on your construction site.
5. Video Surveillance Monitoring
Security systems that allow you to control lighting and monitor your cameras via app or website are a powerful security tools for contractors and project managers of construction sites. Video surveillance alerts you respond swiftly and notify law enforcement should you identify any threat to your construction site.
6. Clean Construction Site
An unorganized-looking construction site invites criminal activity. Your crew should follow a daily clean up plan that includes stowing equipment and supplies, as well as sweeping and disposing of debris.
Thieves scout construction sites often store large quantities of certain materials such as copper wiring, cable and other metals. Store them securely away from the perimeter and easily accessed areas. Lock up all materials and tools – tools lying on the ground are an invitation for theft; materials not secured away beg to be carted away.
Security Guards and Patrols
Adding a private patrol service is another layer of security to protect your construction site. A physical security guard can be a significant deterrent during working hours. Even if they consistently patrol your site, security guards have limitations. They can give their attention to a limited number of things at one time; if they are ensuring someone is authorized to be on site in one area, they can’t be investigating a security breach in another area.
After hours, security patrols can increase site security especially if their patrol is random and unscheduled.
Taking proactive measures to protect your construction site with multiple levels of security systems significantly reduces theft, criminal activity and financial loss while increasing worker safety and a safe work environment. A robust layered security plan helps safeguard materials and equipment and helps you keep your construction project moving forward toward completion.
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
Make site security an integral part of your project, practiced daily.
Andrew Calderon – Rapid International Security Services
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