Construction site security services are essential for protecting your property. With a large supply of expensive equipment and materials, the construction industry is commonly targeted for theft and vandalism. Putting systems in place to protect against property damage and construction site theft can save your company time and money in the long run.
There are a variety of security solutions available, and the ones you choose will depend upon your construction site and its unique security needs. Here’s what you need to know about hiring the appropriate construction site security team to keep your jobsite safe and secure.
What Is Construction Site Security?
Construction site security is about protecting tools, equipment, materials, workers, visitors, and the community. Your security solutions should thus address asset protection, loss prevention, and public safety.
A construction site without access control, for example, may attract thieves as well as restless teenagers looking for a place to hang out. Vandalism isn’t the only concern in that situation: Trespassers could be seriously injured if they misuse tools and equipment, fall off a leading edge, or get involved with electrical systems.
Common Issues on Construction Sites
Construction sites face a number of security challenges everyday. Your construction site is susceptible to the following common problems without proper site security. These often include:
Theft
Thieves are attracted to lumber, power tools, copper and other metals, and appliances. If left unguarded, they may even make away with heavy equipment. Construction companies also need to consider the risk of employee theft, which can occur when no construction security measures are in place.
Vandalism
Equipment and newly constructed buildings may be targeted for graffiti, intentional destruction, and other damage.
Injury
Employees are commonly injured on construction sites when they fail to use the required safety equipment (or use it incorrectly). Members of the public may also be injured if they wander onto an unsecured job site. The devastation of knowing someone got hurt is accompanied by:
- Lower morale among employees and contractors
- Distrust in safety protocols
- Lost productivity or the challenge of hiring someone new on a temporary basis
- Insurance and workers’ compensation costs
- OSHA fines
- Potential lawsuits.
All those issues lead to expenses and delays for your company. If items are stolen or damaged, you’re looking at lost productivity as you wait for the site to be cleaned up and equipment to be replaced—not to mention the costs associated with doing that.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help protect against those risks and avoid those serious consequences. Taking site security measures can help eliminate construction site theft and vandalism, aid law enforcement in catching a job site thief, and reduce injury while helping you respond to emergencies and safety protocol violations.
How to Improve Construction Site Security
Every construction site is different, but most of them will benefit from a multi-faceted approach to construction site security. There are a variety of systems you can install around the perimeter of your site to deter crime (or help catch the people responsible), monitor safety practices among your employees, and even reduce your insurance premiums. Many security measures make criminals think twice about attempting a crime in the first place. They know it’s more likely to be caught.
1. Perimeter Fences
Many construction site crimes are opportunistic, and a fence serves as a great deterrent because would-be thieves can’t simply grab and go. Ensure equipment and materials are kept a certain distance away from the fence, and consider adding No Trespassing and Warning signs. It’s one simple solution that should be used in conjunction with some of these other options.
2. Alarm Systems
A loud alarm can startle and scare off an intruder. In some cases, you may prefer a silent alarm that alerts the authorities without tipping off the trespasser.
3. Good Lighting
Lights not only expose people who are walking through the space, they may make a would-be criminal think there are still employees at work on the site. Motion sensors are also a great idea, because the sudden light can alarm a trespasser. Make sure your fence and any equipment is well-lit; lighting should be carefully arranged throughout the property to avoid creating shadowy hiding places.
4. Construction Site Security Guards
Armed or unarmed construction site security guards can help deter criminals, or they may be able to stop a crime in progress — or at least report it to law enforcement — before serious damage has been done. Your security guard can also help control site access during working hours to make sure only the authorized contractors and visitors are allowed on site.
5. Security Cameras
Video surveillance serves several purposes: First, the presence of cameras is a deterrent to crime. Second, video footage can help you catch vandals and thieves who decide to proceed with their crimes despite the cameras.
Your video surveillance helps you monitor workplace safety to prevent employee theft and ensure everyone is following safety regulations. It’s effective for preventing losses and managing any lawsuits and liability that may arise from injury or criminal activity. A professional security team should set up the cameras on your construction site to ensure the entire area can be monitored.
Today’s surveillance technology allows for real-time, around-the-clock construction site monitoring, even without a power source or internet connection. In the end, this type of surveillance system is less expensive than a security guard, and it meets more of your security needs.
Creating an Effective Construction Site Security Plan
When searching for security services, look for a team that offers personalized construction security solutions with professional security teams and video surveillance. SMART Security Pros has the security experts you need for effective construction site security. Our video surveillance agents have military or police experience and are trained to identify suspicious activity and respond accordingly to protect your company. That means our team can monitor your site around the clock so you can rest easy.
Protect your company from the losses associated with theft, property damage, and bodily injury. Contact us today to speak with an expert at SMART Security Pros about construction site security and schedule your comprehensive construction site security assessment.
