Security on a Construction Site: Everything You Need to Know
Construction sites are busy, complex environments with numerous moving parts. Unfortunately, theft and security on a construction site are also commonplace. In 2021, the cost of theft in the construction industry was estimated to be near $1 billion in Canada alone.
High value equipment items, materials, and easily accessible areas make construction site’s a prime target for vandals, thieves, and even employees. Without effective security solutions , construction companies and project stakeholders can easily see thousands of dollars walk away from a project.
However, with the right security measures , a construction site’s loss due to theft and vandalism can be significantly reduced. In this article, we’re going to share everything you need to know to safeguard your construction site.
Common Construction Security Issues
Every construction site is different and unique. Yet, every construction site has similar security issues and risks, five of which we’ve outlined below.
Theft
On average, a construction company experiences two theft incidents every year with losses totaling nearly $26,000 for licensed vehicles and $1600 for tools per incident. Hand tools, lumber, large power tools, copper, aluminum, and heavy-duty equipment are the most commonly stolen items from job sites.
Vandalism
Vandalism is a persistent issue on construction sites largely because of how easy it is to access unmonitored job sites. Vandals often deface property, damage equipment, and other activities that cause significant project delays. The financial implications are substantial, not just for repairs, but also for the downtime incurred.
Trespassing
Trespassing is a common security concern. Intruders, often driven by curiosity or malicious intent, can pose a risk to themselves and the site. Unauthorized access can lead to theft, vandalism, and potential liability issues.
Physical Hazards
Construction sites are rife with physical hazards. From open excavations to unstable structures and heavy machinery, these hazards pose a significant risk to unauthorized individuals who may unknowingly enter a danger zone.
Safety Issues
Safety issues extend beyond physical hazards. They encompass compliance with safety regulations, worker conduct, and the use of protective equipment. Negligence in these areas can lead to accidents, injuries, and hefty fines.
Why Are Construction Sites Prone to Security Risks?“Construction sites present low-risk, high-reward opportunities for criminals. They’re relatively easy to gain access to, have many high-value items that are often left unsecured, and have minimal tracking of who’s on site.” -Bryan Kelly, Executive VP and General Manager of Logixx In order to lower security risks and problems on a construction site, it’s essential to first identify areas of risk. The most common reasons for security risks on a job site include:
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Security Solutions to Safeguard a Construction Site
Securing a construction site is crucial to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. Implementing robust security solutions is the key to safeguarding valuable assets and ensuring site safety.
CCTV Equipment and Monitoring
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) equipment can be highly effective for a construction site’s security . It involves the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, allowing for real-time monitoring of the site. Construction teams can gain full visibility over a site and can capture all suspicious activity, regardless of what time it happens or how busy a site is.
Rugged CCTV solutions can be installed outdoors and can withstand harsh weather conditions or challenging job site environments. Cloud video surveillance helps you keep an eye on your system without the need for an on-site command center.
Security Guards
Having a physical presence on site can play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of a construction site. Security guards are both a physical and visual deterrent that discourages thieves from causing problems or stealing from a site.
Moreover, security guards can identify new and developing security risks, enabling proactive measures to prevent incidents before they occur. Security guards with in-depth training can also provide support in the event of an accident or physical injury.
Card Access Technology
Tracking who goes in and out of a worksite is key to preventing theft as well as identifying suspects if an issue were to occur. Card access technology is an ideal way to keep track of people accessing a site. It’s a security measure that uses encoded plastic cards to grant or deny access to certain areas of a construction site.
Approved individuals are issued cards that, when scanned at a card reader, allow or restrict entry based on their access privileges.
Benefits of card access technology include:
- Access Control : Only individuals with a valid card can enter the site, preventing others with suspicious intentions from gaining access.
- Record Keeping : The system logs each entry and exit, providing a record of who was on site, when they arrived, and when they left.
- Flexible Permissions : Access can be easily granted or revoked, and different access levels can be set for different individuals.
- Lost Card Security : If a card is lost or stolen, it can be quickly deactivated, maintaining site security.
By implementing card access technology, construction sites can effectively manage access, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. This reduces the risk of theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access, enhancing overall site security.
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Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in construction site security. Adequate lighting makes a site less appealing to potential intruders and safer for workers to do their job.
Good lighting also makes it easier for security personnel and CCTV systems to monitor the area. Dark corners and poorly lit areas can provide hiding spots for thieves and vandals, so it’s important to ensure the entire site is well-lit.
Perimeter Fencing
Perimeter fencing stops “just anyone” from being able to step onto a job site. A sturdy fence marks the boundary of the site and serves as a physical barrier that deters unauthorized access.
Security fencing is the first line of defense against intruders and helps to protect valuable equipment and materials being stored on the site.
Site Security Consultants
Site security consultants can assess a construction site for safety and security issues and develop a tailored plan that will lower a job site’s risks and theft opportunities. They conduct thorough site assessments, identify potential vulnerabilities, and recommend appropriate security measures.
When working with a security consultant, it’s important to work with one that has access and experience in all aspects of security solutions. A CCTV expert may know how to ensure real-time visibility over your site, but they won’t be able to address access control issues.
| Security Solution | Description | Benefits |
| CCTV Equipment and Monitoring | Uses video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, allowing for real-time monitoring of the site. | Full visibility over a site, captures all suspicious activity, can withstand harsh weather conditions, cloud video surveillance available. |
| Security Guards | Physical presence on site that discourages thieves and identifies new and developing security risks. | Physical and visual deterrent, can identify new security risks, provides support in the event of an accident or physical injury. |
| Card Access Technology | Uses encoded plastic cards to grant or deny access to certain areas of a construction site. | Access control, record keeping, flexible permissions, lost card security. |
| Lighting | Adequate lighting makes a site less appealing to potential intruders and safer for workers. | Deters potential intruders, safer for workers, improves visibility for security personnel and CCTV systems. |
| Perimeter Fencing | A sturdy fence marks the boundary of the site and serves as a physical barrier that deters unauthorized access. | Stops unauthorized access, protects valuable equipment and materials. |
| Site Security Consultants | Assess a construction site for safety and security issues and develop a tailored plan. | Thorough site assessments, identifies potential vulnerabilities, recommends appropriate security measures. |
What to Look for in a Security Company to Protect Your Construction Site
Finding the right team to help you keep your construction site safe and secure shouldn’t be taken lightly. Who you work with will be instrumental in protecting thousands of dollars worth of equipment and preventing issues that can cause delays to your project.
When researching the best security company for your needs, consider the following:
- Do they have the right experience? Look for a company with a proven track record in providing security solutions to construction companies.
- What services can they provide? A security company should be able to provide all the solutions you need to secure your job site. Be sure they are adept at all options, such as security fencing, guards, and remote monitoring , this will save you time and money in the long run.
- What technology do they work with? Do they offer modern tech solutions with high-resolution cameras or card access control systems? Security technology should be able to integrate with the whole system, not operate separately.
- How quickly will they respond to incidents? How your security team responds to security incidents greatly impacts how quickly they can be mitigated. Be sure to know how a security company will respond in the event of a security incident.
- What is their reputation like? Check online for reviews of any company you’re considering. Ask candidates for references and testimonials and get a good understanding of how they perform after the initial onboarding process.
How Logixx Can Help with Site Security
Construction costs are rising. Protecting your assets with sound and effective security solutions will go a long way in keeping your project on budget and on-time. At Logixx Security, we can help you fortify project sites and keep your people and materials safe.
We’re a leading Canadian security company with over 47 years of providing Canadian businesses with elite security services . We’ve helped to secure hundreds of high-traffic, rugged environments and construction projects – and we can help you too.
To learn how we can help your construction project stay safer and more secure, contact our team .